Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Conditions are dangerous, and natural avalanches may occur without warning. Triggering avalanches large enough to bury people is possible on slopes where the wind has formed drifts or stiffened the snow surface. While the chance of triggering a large avalanche is greater on southeast and east aspects, avalanches are also possible in steep, wind-sheltered terrain on other aspects. Look for smooth areas of new snow to help identify areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    10-14 inches of recent snow combined with increased northwest winds overnight are the ingredients to create thick wind slabs on northeast, east, and southeast aspects at upper and middle elevations today. Strong northwest winds will continue to drive snow loading onto east and southeast aspects, where natural avalanches will be possible. Watch for these fresh wind slabs to be reactive and likely increasing in size at least through the morning while northwest wind speeds remain elevated. 

    If the snow you are traveling through becomes deeper and denser you've found a wind slab. Cracks shooting out from in front of your skis are clear indications that the slab you found is unstable. Look for blowing snow at the ridgelines as a red flag to know that northwest wind is loading snow onto east facing aspects. Signs of recent avalanches are a sign that slopes are unstable.

    3/3/23 6:30am web cam shows blowing wind transported snow at the ridgelines. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    On east-facing and south-facing aspects at middle and upper elevations, old wind slabs between 1 - 3 feet thick have been buried by new snow. A generally poor snowpack structure with two distinct persistent weak layers and propagation potential remains a problem with increased weight of new snow or the weight of a person. Depth of these concerning layers is variable. In some areas with recent avalanche activity persistent layers of concern may no longer exist. However, where these layers are still intact, the avalanche problem is likely stubborn to react to a trigger, but carries serious consequences if an avalanche does occur.

Avalanche Discussion

Confidence for the wind slab avalanche problem is high. Recent snow and productive loading speeds have and will build fresh wind slabs on east and southeast aspects. Early morning observations show wind transporting snow at the ridgelines. 

Confidence for the persistent slab is medium. Observations on March 1 show a lingering reactivity at middle elevations, though warmer temperatures over the last 48 hours may have promoted some level of bonding/settlement within the buried weak layers. Recent avalanches may have eliminated the weak layers on some slopes.  Continue to question and investigate this avalanche problem. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation 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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