Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The threat of triggering a wet snow avalanche continues on steep slopes at middle elevations until the wet snowpack refreezes as temperatures drop. Avoiding large snowfields in steep terrain will reduce your exposure to an unpredictable wet avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

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

    The potential for triggering a wet slab continues until the wet snowpack refreezes.  The chance for triggering a small slide exists on all aspects at middle elevations - anywhere you find soft, penetrable snow on a steep slope. The largest slabs will be the most worrisome, capable of producing a D1.5 to D2 avalanche and can be found in some areas on northeast, east and southeast aspects at ravine level elevations.  Signs of instability for this problem include roller balls and pinwheels on steep slopes, deep boot or ski penetration into a soft or sloppy snowpack, and steady rainfall. 

Avalanche Discussion

The likelihood of triggering a wet slab is decreasing by the hour today. After two full days of temperatures above freezing at all elevations, temperatures are finally returning to seasonal norms, bringing stability to a wet snowpack in the form of a refreeze. Forecasters removed the avalanche problem from the upper elevations today based morning cold temperatures on the summits. At middle elevations, temperatures are lagging behind in their march downward necessitating the continuation of the wet slab avalanche problem. The hazard rating was dropped from yesterday’s Moderate to today’s Low reflecting the increasing stability and a decreasing likelihood. 

Snow showers today may produce a little new snow once temperatures drop, though are not expected to create a new concern. If snow totals exceed the forecasted 1-2 inches today or tonight be on the lookout for thin wind slabs to pepper the terrain at middle and upper elevations.   

Hermit Lake Snowpack: Total height of the snowpack has dropped from 42cm on 12/30/22 to 25cm today. 

 

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. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

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