Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

During the daylight today avalanches should remain small and unlikely. Early tomorrow morning expect increasing avalanche danger as new snow arrives and light winds allow blanketing of the slopes. Anticipate thick slab formation with the incoming snow tomorrow and prepare yourself with the proper awareness and equipment for companion rescue. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Late this evening and into tomorrow we are expected to receive a potent low pressure system bringing cold temperatures and snow. Snowfall rates could reach moderate S2, or almost one inch per hour. Light and shifting winds will allow accumulations to collect on all aspects of the middle and upper elevations. Forecasts project 6 to 8 inches of new snow and possibly as much as 11 inches total. Thick slabs may develop over old surface crusts with the potential to release just above that interface. Human triggering is likely and natural avalanches are possible as this storm takes shape during the early morning hours of Friday.

Avalanche Discussion

Timing of the incoming storm tonight will be critical in regards to judging the avalanche danger and what to expect on the slopes. Weather forecasts predict that today's storm will begin late tonight with the bulk of snow arriving before daybreak Friday. Today’s LOW avalanche danger reflects what you will encounter during the daylight hours Thursday with increasing danger for Friday morning until the new forecast is published at 7AM. If you choose to get into steep terrain early tomorrow morning be cautious as avalanche hazards may be elevated.

With several days of warming and no new precipitation, surface crusts have formed that are variable. In some locations thin and breakable melt-freeze crusts are easy to boot penetrate, while in the steepest of places the crust has become the new bed-surface for avalanches to run on. Recent observations have found dry snow just above the old crust from December 23, that may give some worry about the stability of the uppermost slabs. Incoming snow loads may test the layers above the old knife-hard surface, but their distribution will be isolated due to the thin variable snowpack.

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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