Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely. Still, watch for small pockets of smooth, wind-drifted snow on steep east-facing terrain, where even a small slide could have serious consequences due to the steep, firm surfaces. Travel on firm, refrozen snow to reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: About 2 inches of recent snow, transported by strong west to northwest winds, has formed small wind slabs in steep east-facing lee terrain. Yesterday’s field observations showed a mix of wind-scoured surfaces with isolated drifts confined to wind-protected terrain features (OBS1, OBS2, OBS3). Where slabs exist, they are generally small and limited in extent, and have been stubborn to unreactive with limited signs of instability observed. They are most commonly found at mid elevations in sheltered gullies, below rollovers, and behind terrain features that collect drifting snow. The Summer Lion Head Trail is one example of where these drifts can form. How can you recognize it: Wind slabs typically have a smooth, rounded, or pillowy surface that contrasts sharply with the textured, refrozen, wind-scoured snow. With good visibility, these differences are often easy to spot.

    How can you manage it: Manage this problem by avoiding smooth, wind-drifted snow on steep slopes. Most slabs in avalanche paths are expected to be shallow, but depth can vary in sheltered pockets. If you find a slab deeper than boot-top, stop and assess how big it is, how continuous it is, and what’s below it, as it may be more consequential.

Avalanche Discussion

Overall snow stability is good in most areas, but isolated pockets of wind slab still exist and should be evaluated before committing. Recent field observations found a mix of wind-scoured surfaces with small, wind-drifted pockets confined to sheltered terrain features. Where these slabs exist, they have been stubborn to unreactive, with no signs of instability observed.

Continued strong winds overnight and today will promote ongoing densification and strengthening of any remaining wind slabs. Light snowfall is possible over the next 24 hours, but expected accumulations are minimal and unlikely to produce a meaningful increase in avalanche hazard.

Even with generally stable conditions, continue to watch for smooth, wind-drifted pockets on steep north- and east-facing terrain, where even a small slide could have serious consequences on firm underlying surfaces.

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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