Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today’s list of objective mountain hazards in steep terrain is long. Long sliding falls on the firm snow are a real threat. In some places, a small amount of new snow will hide the icy surface beneath so evaluate your chosen descent route carefully. 

Recent snowmelt and rain yesterday has increased streamflow and undermined snow bridges over stream beds which may collapse under your weight. Glide cracks and waterfall holes are likely to be large enough to fall into. 

Long sliding fall conditions exist in steep terrain; crampons and an ice axe are key equipment today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    New snow that fell overnight was blown into eastern aspects. The new snow is likely to be patchy and may sluff off under foot when skiing, exposing the icy crust beneath. This avalanche problem type will be highly dependent on mid-day heat to soften and melt the new snow. Older snow may also sluff but shouldn’t be much of a problem compared to the newer and softer snow. These will remain small in size but the risk is that they could possibly carry you. Be careful in steep terrain where falls have consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

Snowmelt and rain water are draining through the snow and have reduced our concerns for larger avalanches being triggered on deep weak layers. The crux of the travel decisions today surround the timing of the softening of refrozen surface snow following last night's rapid freeze. As of 6am, the summit remains in the fog with forecasts showing almost 70% cloud cover until 2pm before clearing a bit more. Current snowpack temperatures at Hermit Lake are also key data points. Surface snow temperatures are -3C but -1C at 10cm and 20cm down. It will be possible for even filtered sun to soften surface snow given the warm ambient temperatures but I wouldn’t bet much money on it and certainly wouldn’t bet my life on it by dropping into consequential terrain without confirmation of edgeable snow below me.

 

Also, keep the objective hazards created by warming and melting in mind as you choose your route. Glide cracks will be wide enough to trap a leg, moats around rocks will be much wider, rock and icefall will continue to be a threat and undermined snow and swollen rivers increase the chance of drowning if you punch through or fall in. Exiting the Bowl on skis will be dangerous today with limited options for skiing around the holes in the Little Headwall. 

 

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Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

 

Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info. 

 

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

  • Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
  • Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.

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