Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch out for new wind-drifted snow on steep slopes where small avalanches could be caused by the weight of a person. Even small avalanches have the ability to cause a fall and have serious consequences in steep terrain. Continue making slope-specific stability assessments and use thoughtful travel techniques when in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    About 1.6 inches of snow overnight, increasing winds, and continued morning snow showers have increased the chances of finding a small-but-sensitive wind slab on east-facing and south-facing aspects. Triggering one of these avalanches could have severe consequences in steep terrain where rocks, ice, and trees are still exposed in avalanche paths and run-outs. Frequently assess the sensitivity and bonding strength of the new snow if traveling in avalanche terrain or before committing to a steep slope. 

    Large, wind slabs varying in depth of 1 - 3 feet exist primarily in isolated areas on steep, southeast-facing avalanche terrain. These areas are now likely covered by new, smaller wind slabs but triggering a deeper instability poses a low-probability but high-consequence risk. Watch for larger, pillow-like snow slopes on the steepest terrain features, especially at convexities, where affecting a deeper instability would be the most likely.

Avalanche Discussion

In lee areas, expect to find new, thin wind slabs that formed from 1.6 inches of new snow and westerly winds overnight. In areas with more wind exposure, expect to find firm, icy snow surfaces which will still carry the risk of a long sliding fall, where a self-arrest may not be possible. An ice ax, crampons, and the skills/experience to use them effectively are one of the main ways of mitigating the risk of long sliding falls. 

A public observation from Oaks Gulf and Monroe Brook supports generally good snow stability in those areas, with a notable breakable surface crust in more wind-sheltered sheltered terrain.

Regions covered