Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

You could trigger a large avalanche on steep east-facing and south-facing slopes today. Because of extreme winds and new snow, these avalanches could be very large with the potential to bury people and damage trees, but will be difficult to trigger. Use caution if traveling under steep slopes that hold bright white snow above and travel on wind scoured surfaces to help reduce your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Extreme northwest winds for the last 18 hours along with new snow has created very large wind slabs. These slabs will be very stubborn to human triggers; however, they could be large enough to bury people, damage large trees, and reach further down in runout zones. This avalanche problem will likely be found at middle elevations on south and east aspects, especially in areas like the Summer Lion’s Head trail. Due to the thickness of wind slabs, snowpack assessments like hand shears and column tests will not be as accurate. Use caution if traveling under steep slopes that have snow above, make conservative terrain choices and travel on wind scoured snow surfaces to reduce your exposure to the avalanche hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

There is uncertainty to the sensitivity of wind slabs today; however, there is good confidence that they are large.The summit of Mount Washington saw over 18 hours of extreme northwest wind, with the highest gust recorded at 150 mph yesterday. There was also an additional 7.5 inches of new snow recorded. These winds have likely scoured upper elevation terrain but continued to build stiff wind slabs on south and east facing slopes. 

These wind slabs are likely very stubborn to trigger because of the extreme winds, and natural avalanches are unlikely today. However, should a wind slab avalanche be triggered, it could be several feet in thickness and run far down into runout zones. This presents a low probability, high consequence scenario in steep terrain today. 

Use caution if traveling under steep slopes that have bright white snow above indicating the wind slab problem. Travel on the wind scoured snow surfaces and use conservative decision making if traveling in steep east or south facing terrain.

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