Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Conditions are very dangerous, and natural avalanches are likely. Triggering avalanches large enough to bury people is likely on slopes where the wind has formed drifts or stiffened the snow surface. While the chance of triggering a large avalanche is highest in east and southeast aspects, avalanches are possible in most wind-sheltered terrain. Avoiding or limiting time beneath large east and southeast facing avalanche paths is highly recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This morning expect to find soft new slabs 2-3 feet thick on many aspects formed from yesterday’s storm. With relatively light winds speeds yesterday and overnight, these slabs may be just stiff enough to propagate and slide as a cohesive mass. Pay attention to the depth of new snow and look for shooting cracks as a red flag. 

    A larger concern, are very large wind slabs forming on easterly aspects from a steadily increasing northwest wind. Yesterday’s 10-14 inches of light, low density snow will be transported from above and onto primarily east and south east aspects. Cross-loading will also build slabs on adjacent slopes. The 35-50 mph wind speeds forecast for the middle of the day are perfect for creating large slabs which will be reactive to a human trigger. The increasing wind speeds will drive more rapid loading, building large slabs over 3 feet thick, easily large enough to bury people. Natural avalanches are likely, and they could be very large. Terrain in Tuckerman Ravine and Gulf of Slides is well developed, fully connected, and has the potential to avalanche and travel far out into runout zones. 

    Staying safe in avalanche terrain today will be more about terrain choices rather than careful snowpack evaluation. Poor visibility may challenge the observance of major red flags such as blowing snow at the ridgelines and identifying large slabs. Avoiding or limiting time beneath large east and south east facing avalanche paths is highly recommended. Skiing lower elevation glades are a great option for stress-free fun skiing. 

Avalanche Discussion

Today’s wind slab avalanche problem is dependent on wind speeds. With 10-14 inches of new snow waiting to be transported, all that remains is wind. Wind we will have. Avalanche danger this morning is likely Considerable due to moderate and light winds speeds overnight limiting snow transport. As the northwest wind ramps up today and tonight, avalanche danger will steadily increase and reach High by this afternoon with large avalanches likely in east facing ravines. 

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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