Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

On steep, east-facing and south-facing snow slopes, it is possible for a person to trigger a large avalanche. Areas with heightened avalanche danger will likely have smooth snow drifts where terrain features have protected the snow from the wind. Traveling on hard, wind-scoured snow surfaces is the easiest way to avoid the avalanche problem today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Large wind slabs up to D2.5 in size with depths of up to 3 feet will be possible for a person to trigger today on lee terrain and sheltered terrain features. Firm slabs may give a false indication of stability because of the potential for weak snow to exist underneath a firm, supportable slab. It will be important to assess the stability of a slab down to the old, icy crust layers before committing to traveling on a slope. Approach soft or smooth snow with a critical eye and caution today. Traveling on icy or wind-scoured snow surfaces is the most effective way to avoid this avalanche problem.

Avalanche Discussion

Limited visibility was gained in the field yesterday for the first time since the snowstorm on March 12. It appears that a lighter-than-expected avalanche cycle took place during and after the March 12 storm, with smaller avalanches traveling shorter distances in their respective paths. Because of this, large wind slabs and areas of softer snow exist high in the terrain and in the starting zones of many paths, especially on the southeast aspect. The middle and upper sections of popular ski lines like Chute, Left Gully, Hillman’s Highway, and Right Gully are noticeably wider and hold deeper new snow than a week ago. 

The condition in any given area will depend on the amount of protection that has been offered from the wind. Expect areas of firm or old surface to have good stability. Areas of firm wind slab (Pencil or 1-Finger) are likely to be stubborn to fail but easier to propagate. Areas of softer snow drifts (4-Finger or Fist) are likely to be more sensitive to weak layer failure but stubborn to propagation. These differences may be seen on a large scale, but also may all be seen within the confines of a single ski line. Careful and constant slab assessment will be required for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

In many areas on steep, easterly aspects, it is likely to find a strong-over-weak snow structure which is reflective of initial storm conditions (snow and light winds), transitioning to rapid wind loading, and finally snow transport and redistribution with very high winds. If digging in the snow to assess stability, investigate snow above the old, icy crust layer and if a weak layer has the ability to propagate underneath the dense slab above. 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered