Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Expect dangerous conditions at upper and middle elevations as snow continues to drift into steep, east-facing terrain and cross loaded gullies. Drifted snow may release naturally in the steepest terrain, and is likely to avalanche from a human trigger. You could trigger avalanches 1-3 feet thick today that will easily bury a person. Wind drifted slopes should be approached with caution. The avalanche danger today is CONSIDERABLE.

Strong winds, blowing snow, and cold temperatures will make travel above treeline challenging or even dangerous for anyone unequipped for today’s conditions. Having the proper clothing, googles, and the ability to navigate in a whiteout will be essential.  

The Lion Head Summer Trail remains the best option if climbing to the summit from Pinkham Notch. Be sure to check the slatboards for the trail status.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snow fell continuously throughout the weekend with light snow showers falling last night as well. Over the past 12 hours, west wind has been ideal for transporting the new snow from the range’s largest fetch zones into east facing ravines. Visibility remains poor but avalanche activity and reloading yesterday and overnight is certain. Expect a mix of stubborn, firm (P hardness) wind slabs and new softer (1F and even 4F in places) and potentially reactive ones.

Avalanche Discussion

The low pressure system that brought a mixed bag of wet precipitation in copious amounts was quickly followed by a cold front which continues to wring moisture out of the atmosphere. By the time you reach 3,000’ climbing out of Pinkham Notch, most signs of wet precipitation types are replaced by volumes of cold dry snow. In and around Hermit Lake and above, it becomes clear, due to the knee deep snow and even deeper drifts, that a significant snow and wind event occurred. The deep low pressure was intense and brought a lot of snow to higher elevations where it sat on a smooth firm old surface that easily offered up all of the snow to howling westerly winds. Subsequent snow shower activity has been prolonged and productive. Associated wind speeds this morning, and likely through the day, are strong enough to move the snow into avalanche start zones but not pack it so densely that the grains are welded into unreactive slabs. We are looking forward to the unveiling of the terrain today but will do so with a healthy respect for run outs and the assumption that continued wind loading, no matter how light, could still trigger an avalanche. MWAC will focus field work in east side locations today but would love to see photos of west side areas over the next few days to see how avalanche paths changed after the easterly winds from the passing low.

Regions covered