Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Dry slab avalanches are possible where wind blown snow has been deposited in the upper and middle elevations. Strong northwest winds have redistributed the new snow to sheltered locations on east and south aspects, where slabs could be up to 12 inches thick. Evaluate drifted snow today and prepare yourself with crampons and warm clothing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The 3.5 inches of new snow that fell last night into this morning, will be blown to east and south facing slopes during the day. Drifted slabs could be up to 1 foot thick in wind-sheltered terrain and sensitive to human triggering. Substantial rains during the afternoon yesterday helped to soften the surface snow preceding the new snowfall. This allowed for good bonding of the new snow to the older surface in many locations. You can also expect changes in density throughout the newly formed slabs. Snow grain and hardness changes could be the interface where avalanches fail today.

Avalanche Discussion

A flash of winter has returned to Tuckerman Ravine with new snow and temperatures near the upper teens Farenheit. Rain encouraged melting snow below 4500 feet during the afternoon yesterday, before cold temperatures changed it to all snow just before dusk. The snowpack has gone through a prolonged melting and settlement period with around +2 inches lost each day due to warm air, sun, and rain. In the past 12 hours the snowpack has gained weight from wetting rain, has been capped with refrozen snow, and now has collected 3.5 inches of new dry wind-affected snow. 

The concern for wind slab avalanches has reemerged in the upper and middle elevations from strong northwest winds and new snow. The extended forecast has these elevations staying below freezing and with ample moisture available as snow, especially for Tuesday. Conditions will remain variable as strong winds move snow around the landscape and previously melted surfaces are reexposed as icy bed-surfaces. The loose wet avalanches and melted debris that has poured downslope this week will be a firm and highly textured surface with cold frozen chunks ready to grab speedy skiers. Change your mindset today and prepare for cold conditions, crampons, and surface objects covered by a trace of new snow in many locations. 

Significant melting has occurred over the last few days, bringing springtime objective hazards to the forefront. If you are in the mountains today be watching for: 

Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations.

  • The John Sherburne Ski Trail is closed ½ way down from the top at the fifth cut-over.  Please cross over to the Tuckerman Ravine trail at the yellow rope and walk down the hiking trail.
  • The Harvard Cabin is closed for the season.
  • The Lion Head Summer Trail remains closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered