Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep, east-facing slopes above 3000 feet in elevation. Watch out for snow slopes that appear smooth, rounded, and soft in comparison to more stable areas that are firm, textured, and more exposed to high winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: Wind slabs that are strong-over-weak in structure could be found in eastern ravines. These wind slabs may vary in size and sensitivity and in many areas, may not exist. The most likely place to find a wind slab is between 3000 and 5000 feet in elevation where the terrain has provided protection from many hours of very high wind speeds. 

    How can you recognize it: Watch out for softer snow drifts over 1 foot thick that feel or sound hollow, shooting cracks under your feet, and recent avalanche activity on similar nearby slopes. Dig down in the snow to the interface between new, softer wind slabs and the hard, old snow surface to assess the structure and sensitivity of the snowpack.

    How can you manage it: Use visual cues to understand the distribution of new wind slabs which will look smooth and softer compared to highly textured, wind hardened snow surfaces in some areas. Use travel techniques that mitigate your exposure to avalanche terrain and be sure to evaluate the stability of the snowpack throughout your day.

Avalanche Discussion

With poor visibility and limited observations yesterday, there is some uncertainty around the size and sensitivity of new wind slabs in easterly terrain. In many areas, you might find a firm, textured, and wind affected snow surface that is generally stable. However, in areas that had protection from the wind, you may see a much smoother, softer snowpack - these are the most concerning areas today. Expect areas of softer, smoother snow to be stiff on the snow surface and much softer underneath, creating a poor structure that has the potential to avalanche on steep slopes. 

Before committing to steep avalanche terrain, you can dig into the snow and use instability tests such as hand shears or column tests to evaluate the sensitivity of new wind slabs. Don’t forget about obvious signs of instability including recent avalanches nearby and cracking or collapsing in the snowpack under your feet. 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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