Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

You could trigger a small avalanche on steep east and southeast-facing snow-covered slopes above 3000 ft in elevation. Look out for areas of smooth, pillowy snow to identify potentially unstable areas. Also keep in mind dangerous long-sliding falls may still be a problem today, despite the new snow overnight. Crampons, ice axes and practiced skills are required to help prevent a fall from happening.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: Watch for fresh wind slabs formed from the 3-4 inches of snow that fell yesterday. The most likely places to find them are wind-sheltered, east and southeast-facing terrain, especially sheltered pockets, gullies, below rollovers, and other features that collect drifting snow. These slabs are sitting on top of the hard, icy, impenetrable snow surface left behind by previous days.

    How can you recognize it: Look for smooth, rounded drifts deeper than your boot top. We do not expect these slabs to be large, but there is uncertainty about how well they bonded to the icy bed surface below. Thicker slabs may produce shooting cracks as a sign of instability.How can you manage it: Visually assess terrain before you commit to traveling through it. Look for active loading or recently formed wind slabs that will be smooth. Dig down and investigate how well the new snow is adhered to the bed surface and know that interface may change as you gain or lose elevation. Check this interface often with hand shears, and factor in the consequences of even a small slide in steep terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

In recent days, the most serious hazard on Mount Washington has been the hard, icy snow surface, which has created widespread slide-for-life conditions. Yesterday, the MWAC team responded to a skier who suffered serious injuries in a long sliding fall, underscoring the consequences of a fall on steep terrain. We are hopeful that the 4 inches of new snow that fell yesterday has begun to improve this hazard, but it is unlikely to have eliminated it entirely. Anyone traveling on steep snow today should continue to factor the potential for a long, high-consequence slide into their decision making and let that drive conservative terrain choices.Low Elevations: Due to insufficient snow coverage, we are moving to a “No Rating” for low elevations. Isolated snow hazards may still exist, but there is not enough continuous snow to support an avalanche danger rating.

Springtime Mountain Hazards: Recent warm temperatures have driven the development of a variety of spring mountain hazards. Large, deep, open holes exist in many places. One of the most consequential open holes is near The Lip in Tuckerman Ravine. The new snow may disguise these hazards, but it will not eliminate them. Learn more about springtime mountain hazards and how to manage them. Learn more about springtime mountain hazards and how you could manage them.  

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

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