Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is increasing with a winter-like storm bringing new snow and wind. Triggering a large avalanche will become increasingly possible at middle and upper elevations on easterly aspects. Watch for and avoid wind stiffened drifts.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:New snow avalanche problems including drifted snow and wind stiffened snow should be on your radar. Moderate winds early have the potential to build large slabs primarily northeast and east aspects where developed bed surfaces exist. In areas of less wind, with increasing snow density, watch for consolidating snow creating a slab-like structure and the ability to increase potential avalanche size.  

    How can you recognize it: Visibility will be impacted by snowfall, limiting your ability to assess the snowpack from a distance, and also identify people (triggers) above you. A uniform snow surface will also challenge identifying the avalanche problems. Watch out for snow drifts deeper than your boot tops, and consolidating snow as you travel. How can you manage it:As you navigate in the terrain, continually assess both the snowpack and where other people are in the terrain to reduce your exposure. Choosing smaller avalanche paths with limited overhead hazard can help mitigate the uncertainties from poor visibility.

Avalanche Discussion

Despite the calendar date, today’s weather is distinctly winter-like, with accumulating snowfall, reduced visibility, and increasing avalanche danger throughout the day. Anyone venturing into avalanche terrain should treat it like a mid winter storm scenario, using smart winter travel techniques, such as conservative route selection and continuous observation of changing conditions.While the deeper layers of the snowpack appear generally stable and free from significant structural weaknesses, new snow avalanche problems should be on everyone’s radar.

A key concern is risk compensation, where spring-like weather at lower elevations and the late March date may lull some travelers into underestimating today’s hazard level. Regardless of the calendar date, new snowfall combined with moderate winds can rapidly form slabs that require trained avalanche skills to safely navigate. 

Everyone venturing into avalanche terrain should carry a properly functioning beacon, probe, and shovel, and possess the knowledge to use them effectively. By recognizing the influence of risk compensation on your decision making, maintaining a conservative mindset, and closely monitoring evolving snow and weather conditions, you’ll significantly reduce your exposure to avalanche hazards in today’s storm.

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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