Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow in steep easterly terrain above 3000 feet. Carefully evaluate the snowpack, watch out for shooting cracks under your feet, and deeper snow drifts that feel stiff or hollow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:Wind slabs, primarily on northeast, east, and southeast aspects, may appear stubborn but could be triggered by your weight. Small and large wind slabs with a poor, strong-over-weak structure have been observed across easterly avalanche terrain (Obs from Summer Lion Head Trail, Dodge’s Drop)

    How can you recognize it: Wind slabs can be identified as areas of smooth, rounded snow that may be over a foot thick. While traveling, watch for snowdrifts deeper than your boot tops, as a sign that you may have encountered a wind slab. Pay attention to cracks in the snowpack under your feet and use a pole or a shovel to assess the thickness and sensitivity of the slab. How can you manage it:Actively look for areas of newly drifted snow and avoid deep drifts to limit your exposure to avalanche hazards. Avoid very steep terrain features and convex rollovers where the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is higher. If you're uncertain about the sensitivity or location of wind slabs, consider taking an alternate route through simpler, low-angle terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

While recently formed wind slabs may begin to stabilize with time and warmth from the sun, you could still find unstable snow today with the potential to produce small or large avalanches, depending on the slab thickness. The most likely place to trigger a large windslab is in very steep terrain, around convex rollovers, snow slopes that are poorly supported from the snowpack below, and highly wind-protected areas where the snowpack is deeper.

It is worth noting the size and connectivity of avalanche terrain, especially in eastern ravines like Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, and the Summer Lion Head Trail. Consider the ability for an avalanche to occur in places where avalanches have been unlikely in recent years, but are now possible due to increased snow coverage and depth. OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.

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