Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist today and large avalanches are unlikely. As meltwater and rain continue to move through the snowpack; small, human triggered, wet loose avalanches could occur on steep west, south and east facing slopes. Be mindful of dangerous springtime mountain hazards that include deep holes, falling ice, undermined snow, and open water.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Although it is unlikely to trigger a large avalanche today, continuous above freezing temperatures and rain make it possible for wet loose avalanches on steep west, south and east slopes. These may be small in size, however they could cause falls in steep terrain that would be highly consequential. Use extra caution near terrain traps, like narrow or deep gullies, where the depth of wet loose debris can be concentrated into a single area which increases the consequences of triggering an avalanche. Limit time under south-facing slopes that hold cornices above. These will continue to destabilize as water collects in the snowpack and could entrain a more substantial wet loose avalanche when they collapse.

    (4/8/2024) Photo: Rob Benton

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, the forecast area saw sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the day. The summit of Mount Washington recorded over 12 hours of above freezing temperatures and ravine level temperatures rose to above 50 degrees. This has caused widespread settling and consolidating of the snowpack throughout terrain (Obs 1).

Today, rain and meltwater will continue to consolidate the snowpack. Wet loose debris and sluffs in steep terrain may have the ability to knock you off your feet. Consider the consequences of a fall in steep terrain today as rocks, trees and old avalanche debris begin to melt out. Travel with crampons, ice axe and the mountaineering skills to use them to help reduce your risk. Also be aware of the springtime mountain hazards that will be developing as we continue to lose the snowpack. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

Help avalanche researchers! The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University, and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research are researching how skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, ice climbers, and anyone else who travels in the backcountry interpret avalanche forecast information. Completing this survey will take approximately 20 minutes. Thank you!

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