Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Human triggered avalanches are possible today in steep terrain at middle and upper elevations. You’ll find a mix of slabs that are stubborn and firm along with softer and more reactive ones in less wind-exposed locations. Given the 12-14” of new snow that fell in the past 48 hours at higher elevations, these slabs could be over 2-3’ thick in prime avalanche terrain; easily large enough to bury a person. Evaluate the terrain carefully if you plan to venture into steep terrain and remember that continued wind loading of the terrain can tip the scales towards a natural avalanche in isolated places like the Headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. Avalanche danger is MODERATE in wind loaded areas such as lee aspects, beneath rock features and in the sidewalls of gullies.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    You’ll find wind slabs in many areas of the range today above 3,000’ where recent storms were enhanced by the lift provided by the range. The cumulative total of snow over the past couple of days was impressive and exceeded forecast amounts. Wind speed and direction was favorable to build large wind slabs in the usual places downwind of the ample area of fetch in the alpine. Slabs which developed but did not avalanche due to their own increasing mass may only need the weight of a passing climber or rider to fail. The icy bed surface would make a ride difficult to arrest and very fast and dangerous, even without a terrain trap below. The brutal cold today is one more reason to let these slabs settle for another day before testing their strength. More wind sheltered areas, even on westerly aspects at middle elevations could harbor enough new, wind-affected snow to form a triggerable slab.

    Periods of graupel fell during the past 2 days. These particles were observed to contribute instability within the new snow as is often the case.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche danger today is moderate after two days of considerable danger due to new snow and wind loading. On Saturday, a crown line from a natural avalanche was visible in the afternoon below the ice in the center of Tuckerman Ravine. The crown was around 175 feet wide and 6 to 12” deep though reloading likely filled in a deeper crown. Periods of moderate snow and heavy blowing snow eliminated any chance for safe observations of prime avalanche terrain yesterday. History tells us that natural avalanches most likely occurred in lee areas such as Tucks and Huntington and possibly the Great Gulf and the Gulf of Slides yesterday. It’s important to note that wind continued to blow new snow and snow on the ground overnight which makes any slabs that haven’t yet avalanched a potential problem. It is possible that an avalanche today could exceed D2 in size and be over 3 feet thick. While these slabs may be stubborn in places, be sure to consider the cold temperatures yesterday and overnight which were not conducive to settlement and bonding despite the warm snow beneath the ice crust below. Also, note that periods of graupel were observed with layers of these 2-3mm round, rimed particles mixed into slabs in places. These particles tend to not bond well with others and can contribute to the sensitivity of a slab. 

 

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Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info. 

 

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The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. 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.

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