Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

On firm and icy snow surfaces, triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. In steep areas with deeper and softer snow, triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person is possible. To identify more dangerous wind-drifted snow, look for steep areas in eastern ravines where the snow appears smooth and pillow-like. Travel on hard snow surfaces to avoid triggering an avalanche. Use extra caution in steep terrain, where falls are dangerous on a hard, slick snowpack with exposed rocks, ice, and trees below.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Large, wind slabs varying in depth of 1 - 3 feet exist primarily on steep, southeast-facing avalanche terrain. These softer and smoother slabs will look tempting to ski, but may be more sensitive to human-triggering. When making stability assessments of these slabs, look for subtle mid-slab weaknesses and the melt-freeze crust interface at the bottom of the slab. 

    Snowpit results are just one data point in a spatially variable environment. Use thoughtful travel techniques to increase safety margins. Avoiding this avalanche problem today is simple. Stick to firm, textured snow surfaces while also considering any hazards overhead. 

    New snow and wind loading tonight will increase the wind slab avalanche hazard on east and south aspects at middle and upper elevations. Keep this in mind if you happen to be out in the early hours of tomorrow morning. 

Avalanche Discussion

Field observations yesterday provided data that supports wind slab strengthening with a trend towards stabilization. Even with a LOW danger rating today, there is still a possibility of triggering a large avalanche on a southeast aspect, especially in the steepest areas of the starting zones and on steep convexities in the terrain. This possibility today represents a low-probability but high-consequence event, with instabilities up to 3 feet deep with hard debris. 

There is some uncertainty between weather models around snow accumulation totals for tonight. In any scenario, expect an increase in avalanche danger from new wind slabs. Higher snow totals tonight allow for the possibility of deeper, more reactive slabs on lee aspects. An increasing wind loading pattern during the snowfall period will allow for the potential of strong-over-weak slab formation and sensitive reactivity. Be sure to check the forecast tomorrow morning for an up to date assessment of this hazard.

Long sliding falls are also a significant concern today. Preventing a dangerous long sliding fall on a steep frozen surface will require crampons, ice axes and the skills to use them. Move with deliberate caution on steep icy terrain.

 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

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