Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The chance remains that you could trigger a large avalanche above 3000 feet in elevation on steep east-facing and south-facing slopes. Watch out for softer drifts of snow deeper than your boots that sit on top of an icy layer of old snow. Favor traveling on hard, wind-scoured snow surfaces to reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: Snow and high westerly winds from the 10th and 11th have formed wind slabs above 3000 feet on steep east-facing and south-facing slopes. These slabs have been observed to have a poor, strong-over-weak structure with lingering reactivity that you could still trigger. Areas like Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, and the Summer Lion Head Trail are a few examples of places where you could find this avalanche problem today.How can you recognize it: If you see areas of snow that are smooth-looking and are deeper than the top of your boots, suspect an old wind slab. If the snow surface is hard, rough, and scoured, the avalanche problem is likely absent. 

    How can you manage it: Watch out for smooth, softer drifts of snow on steep slopes and choose a travel plan that manages your exposure to these areas. Be especially suspicious of steep rollovers and unsupported terrain features. Use hand shears and column tests to assess how the slab slides on the icy snow underneath, and assess this interface throughout the day. Traveling on a firm, wind-scoured snow surface will help reduce your possibility of triggering an avalanche today.

    (1/13/2026) Photo: Mount Washington Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger, and the avalanche that you could trigger today is likely to be large and will give limited to no warning signs. You may see tracks or watch another person ski the same slope, but take the time to make your own assessment. We know these wind slabs have poor structure and a weak layer that has been propagating; what is missing is a trigger. Yesterday’s warm temperatures promoted continued settlement and we expect to see that trend continue today. 

There is a chance for precipitation this afternoon, which would likely fall as rain at mid-elevations. At this point, there is very little water in the forecast; however, there is a lack of alignment among models and forecasts. If you encounter rain this afternoon, it will likely stress and weaken the slabs, increasing your likelihood of triggering an avalanche. Your tools to manage this will be to travel on firm, wind-scoured surfaces or to end your day when rain begins. 

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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