Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch out for thin snow drifts formed from recent snow and increasing wind speeds. Use caution around these drifts of snow at upper and middle elevations, especially in steep, high-consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The 3 inches of new snow yesterday (0.49 SWE) followed by increasing winds overnight may have created thin, isolated areas of drifted snow. In locations where remaining old snow bed surfaces exist, these snow drifts are today's wind slab avalanche problem. 

    Another 1-2 inches of snow today will be drier than yesterday’s wet snow and more likely to be moved by the wind potentially increasing the size and sensitivity of new slabs.  

    Watch for areas that are relatively clean, smooth, chalky-looking, or drifted in appearance—these are likely to be wind slabs. Use caution around these new slabs, especially in steep terrain where getting knocked off your feet could have dangerous consequences

Avalanche Discussion

Recent snow and increasing wind speeds are 2 of the 3 ingredients needed for creating wind slabs. The third ingredient, a smooth bed surface is the lacking ingredient in many locations due to recent seasonably warm weather. There are not many areas where an avalanche is possible, however these areas are where skiers and climbers are drawn to. Triggering an avalanche today is unlikely, however the consequences can be severe due to exposed large rocks and trees lurking at the bottom of steep snow slopes. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is OPEN due to reduced avalanche risk, and is currently the least hazardous, direct route to the summit of Mt Washington from Pinkham Notch. 

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