It may be possible to trigger a small avalanche on steep, open snow slopes at treeline or below treeline on east, southeast, and south aspects. Watch out for signs of snowpack instability including cracking, whumphing, and collapsing.
In isolated, sheltered areas (mostly at or below treeline or behind large, protective terrain features) on east, southeast, and south aspects, it is possible to find firm new wind slabs that are reactive to human triggers. These avalanches would be generally small in size but have depth variability due to recent high winds. Expect most snow surfaces above treeline to be scoured, firm, and stable.
The upper elevations of the Presidential Range received a healthy dose of wind scouring yesterday, transporting most of the new snow past steep avalanche terrain in the alpine zone and deposited it down into the forests and valleys on the east and south sides of the range. New snow had a very limited opportunity to collect and form slabs above treeline, but it is worth looking out for signs of instability in protected lee areas where softer snow remains.
Yesterday, signs of instability including cracking and whumphing were reported from skiers sticking to the trees in lower angle, lower elevation terrain. Weak snowpack structures have been observed in lower elevation areas where snow has had the opportunity to collect, form slabs, and develop weak layers. In these protected, low elevation areas on east through south aspects, new snow and wind slabs are sitting on top of a variety of weak snow combinations including old crusts with adjacent facet layers and basal facets. We recognize that there is limited avalanche terrain below treeline, however any lower elevation areas that can be classified as avalanche terrain may have an avalanche problem today. Proceed with extra caution towards untouched, low-elevation snow slopes above 30 degrees in steepness on the lee aspects.
The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.
Please help us and your fellow skiers, riders, and climbers by submitting any pertinent or interesting observations to our website.
