Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

You could trigger a large avalanche on easterly slopes in snow that appears smooth, bright white, and pillowy. Lookout for cracks under your feet, snow deeper than your boottops, or blowing snow at ridgelines as warning signs. Traveling on firm and scoured surfaces reduces your chances of triggering an avalanche, but will require crampons, an ice axe, and the skills to use them. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:

    7.3 inches of snow coupled with increasing west winds developed wind slabs on easterly aspects above 3000 feet. These could be 2 feet thick and in isolated areas may be larger. 

    How can you recognize it: 

    Lookout for bright white, smooth, and pillowy snow to identify newly formed surface slabs. As you move through terrain, dig into the new snow until you reach the icy old snow surface to understand the slab size. Informal tests like hand shears will help you to assess sensitivity. You are likely to find strong-over-weak structure which will contribute to a more reactive slab. Plumes of snow blowing at the ridgelines and cracks in the snow under your feet are obvious red flags of wind slabs.

    How can you manage it:

    With clearing visibility, your eyes will be your best tool today. Travel on icy, scoured surfaces as you are unlikely to trigger an avalanche there and identify areas of pillowy snow that you want to avoid or assess further. Consider all wind-drifted snow capable of sliding until proven otherwise. Pay mind to what terrain is underneath you as previous warming has exposed rocks and trees which could amplify the consequence of even a small avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Wind slabs you find today are likely to have a strong-over-weak structure. Initial snow fell on south winds with little to no wind, followed by a shift west and increase in speed. These slabs formed on an icy old snow surface that has been observed across the Presidential Range. The combination of an icy bed surface, strong-over-weak structure, and newly formed slabs mean that slabs are likely to be reactive today. Continued cold temperatures and decreasing winds forecast today are unlikely to impact reactivity. 

With clearing skies, there is a chance for solar gain to impact south aspects. This warming may increase reactivity in slabs, before prompting settlement. Continue to assess sensitivity with hand shears or column tests as solar gain may change how the snow behaves throughout the day. 

Crampons, an ice axe, and the skills to use them should also be considered essential equipment today as you will still encounter firm snow surfaces. 

It’s worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. Snow holes, undermined snow, and icy slopes could be hidden by new snow today. 

  • Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Exposed rocks, trees, and ice could amplify the consequences of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no-fall zones.
  • Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
  • Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Check out our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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.

SURVEY: For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry. With decades of research as their foundation, Sara Boilen and Ian McCammon are developing an open-source tool to help individuals mitigate risk in avalanche terrain. The project's first stage involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists who have been traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win amazing raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!). If you’re curious about being involved, please take 1-2 minutes to fill out our basic initial survey!

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