Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch out for areas of sensitive wind-drifted snow on steep snow slopes at middle and upper elevations that face north, east, and south. Snow in these areas could avalanche from the weight of a person. Careful evaluation of snow, terrain, and weather is critical today before committing to a steep snow slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will be the most sensitive and reactive to a human-trigger close to the ridgelines and at the upper sections of steep snow slopes. Light and moderate wind speeds have kept snow below 4500’ generally soft and unaffected by wind. As elevation increases, expect snowpack stability to decrease and look out for a stiffer, thicker, more reactive slab.

    Watch out for areas of snow that sound hollow, feel stiffer, and have a styrofoam texture. These new wind slabs are resting on a slick melt/freeze crust in most locations which will limit their ability to bond to the old snow surface. These areas have the potential to propagate and create a large avalanche.  

    If wind speeds become stronger than what is forecast, watch out for plumes of snow at the ridgelines, which is a red flag for continued wind loading and a good reason to avoid these slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack structure of new snow that was found yesterday was variable depending on aspect, elevation, and prior avalanches on a slope. In general, expect stability to decrease as you move higher into the terrain. Don’t assume that areas of soft, unconsolidated snow lower in the terrain are representative of the conditions at the tops of ravines, gullies, and snow slopes. 

Avalanche terrain is still fragmented, but pockets of unstable snow can be found in many locations. Most snow slopes at middle and upper elevations still contain a slick melt/freeze crust that is buried underneath 1 - 2 feet of new soft snow or wind slab. Multiple natural and human-triggered avalanches occurred on this layer in the last 48 hours. 

With 3 - 5 inches of snow incoming tonight, expect avalanche hazard to increase late tonight into the early hours of tomorrow morning, as new snow adds an increased load to the current snowpack. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is OPEN. Watch for drifting snow piling up. If deep snow is found, retreating and using the Winter Lion Trail is the safer option. 

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