Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in soft wind-drifted snow at upper elevations and at the top of steep gullies. Watch out for wind-drifted snow that is slightly stiffer on the surface, but very soft underneath and pay attention to how the snowpack changes as you travel higher in the terrain. Remember that even a small avalanche can have serious consequences if it causes a fall in steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: At the tops of steep gullies and on steep slopes above 5000 feet, you could find thicker slabs of soft, wind-drifted snow that are reactive to your weight. These are likely to be small in size, but have the potential to entrain a lot of snow. While this problem is largely non-existent at middle elevations, finding a soft wind slab is possible as you climb towards 5000 feet in elevation. Late tonight, watch for new slab formation on west-facing aspects as the winds shift direction and increase in speed.

    How can you recognize it: Look for drifts that are thicker than about 12 inches with a stiffer layer of snow on top and a much softer layer of snow buried underneath. Use your hand, a pole, or a shovel to assess the size and sensitivity of wind-drifted snow before moving across it. Shooting cracks under your feet are a clear sign of an unstable snowpack. How can you manage it:Make continuous snow observations as you climb higher into steep terrain to recognize changes in the snowpack such as a stiffer snow surface with softer snow underneath. Travel in shallower new snow or on firm snow surfaces to reduce your risk of triggering a small avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

The most likely place to find a wind slab avalanche problem is above 5000 feet in elevation at the tops of steep gullies that face east and south. While you are unlikely to find an avalanche problem at middle elevations, be careful if you are climbing in elevation towards 5000 feet, where this is still a chance you could find unstable areas of wind slab in isolated areas. Remember that even a small avalanche or a heavy sluff has the potential to cause a serious fall in steep terrain.

Expect a redistribution of snow tonight as the winds shift direction and increase in speed, which could create new wind slabs at upper elevations on west-facing aspects. By the morning hours, expect avalanche danger to be increased on multiple aspects of the compass rose and at multiple elevation bands with extreme winds and incoming new snow. It’s a busy weekend. Consider the hazard of other people in the terrain above you and around you, as they can present a significant hazard to you in the event of a fall or an avalanche from above. 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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