Presidential Range

Move carefully on the currently refrozen snowpack to avoid a long sliding fall before temperatures rise enough to soften surface snow. Crampons, an ice axe and the ability to use them will be necessary. As temperatures rise, be ready to manage small, wet-loose sluff avalanches in steep terrain. Also, watch for glide cracks and other openings in the snow typical of a melting spring snowpack, they may emerge today and over the next few days as recent snow melts. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist, with LOW avalanche danger.

The summer Lionhead Trail is open but the traverse at treeline is steep and can be icy. Bring crampons and an ice axe.

Temperatures will rise above freezing today, and are forecast to remain warm at least through the weekend. Even at night, temperatures may dip just below 32F for a soft freeze. Constant melting will bring rapid changes to the snowpack presenting typical spring objective hazards, some of which were previously well underway. The opening in the waterfall area of The Lip and various glide cracks were becoming large before blanketed by snow last week. These will likely be re-exposed in the upcoming days. 

The typical spring hazards emerged in recent weeks and should factor into your travel plans.

• Icefall and rockfall: Over the years many people have been severely injured or killed by falling ice in Tuckerman. The most hazardous locations are in the center and right side of the ravine, including Lunch Rocks, the Sluice, Lip, and Center Bowl. Warm weather and rain increase the potential for icefall to occur. Avoid spending time in high risk areas like Lunch Rocks or on the floor of the ravine in the fall line of ice in the headwall.
• Glide cracks and waterfall holes: As the snowpack gradually gives way to gravity and creeps downhill, it pulls away from cliffs and leaves gaps. These gaps are the horizontal cracks that will soon appear in the steep terrain, most noticeably in the Lip and Sluice. These gaps can be deep enough to cause fatal injuries, especially around the main waterfall. 
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These are beginning to emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard. Breaking through weak snow into one of the larger water courses could be fatal if you become trapped.
• Long, sliding falls: Part of what makes spring skiing so great is the melt/freeze cycle that creates stable, firm corn snow. The cycle begins when the snowpack freezes at night or in the afternoon shade on cooler days. This refreeze creates a hard surface on which it is nearly impossible to arrest a fall with skis or an ice axe. Refrozen snow can cause trouble for those looking to get “just one more run” at the end of the day.

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The Sherburne Ski Trail is unskiable low on the trail and riddled with rocks and mud past the rope at crossover #7. Cross to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and walk down to avoid damaging the ski trail. For safety reasons, please do not ski on the Tuckerman Ravine hiking trail.

Regulations on Federal public lands supersede state mandates regarding protection from the coronavirus and it’s variants. These regulations require the use of a face mask when social distancing is not possible. Please plan to wear a mask in busy areas like the deck and courtyard at Hermit Lake and the floor of Tuckerman Ravine on a busy day.

Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

The Harvard Cabin is now closed for the season. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

• Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
• Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.