Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Minimize your time on or under any steep slopes if you're sinking into a damp, sloppy snowpack. Firm, supportive snow surfaces will offer safer and better skiing and climbing. Be aware of fall consequences in steep terrain where wet loose snow under your feet can trip you up

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs formed earlier in the week had dry snow beneath the wet surface yesterday, with a reactive weak layer at the old/new snow interface. After the 0.72 inches of rain last night, it remains a possibility that the thickest slabs may still fail on that weak layer with the added weight of wet snow above. The chance of triggering a wet slab avalanche will slowly decrease this evening as temperatures drop and precipitation ends or turns to snow. 

    You can avoid the wet slab avalanche problem by keeping to older bed surfaces with wet but supportive snow. Boot penetration beyond 6 inches is a sign that you’ve found the problem.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches are possible today as warm air and light rain melt the snow surface and have increased the water content in the snowpack. These avalanches will likely be small in size, though have consequences in steep terrain capable of pulling you off your feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Today’s Moderate hazard rating at middle elevations targets the terrain skiers will be aiming for, primarily the east facing ravines on Mount Washington. Specifically, the rating is highlighting the chance for wind slabs formed Monday to remain reactive despite the rain overnight. While the rain and warm temperatures may have worked to settle instabilities at the old/new snow interface, the possibility exists that the added weight of rain is adding stress to the largest slabs harboring dry snow beneath. This uncertainty, and the unpredictability of triggering a wet slab avalanche is a good reason to steer around the slabs looking for older more supportive bed surfaces. 

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered