Small loose wet avalanches could occur on steep snow slopes from warm temperatures and sunshine. Be aware of increasing springtime mountain hazards which include falling ice, deep holes in the snowpack, undermined snow, and open water. Careful route planning, keen observations, and thoughtful travel techniques can help to manage today’s hazards.
As temperatures and sun exposure increase throughout the day, it will be possible to trigger small loose wet avalanches in steep terrain, especially on south-facing aspects. Watch out for areas of deep, wet surface snow that is poorly bonded. Though these avalanches are not likely to bury you, they can carry enough weight and momentum to cause a dangerous fall in steep terrain.
The current spring snowpack is mostly stable with the exception of areas of loose, non-cohesive surface snow that may slide easily today in steep terrain.
Temperatures below 5000 feet in elevation are not forecast to drop below freezing for the next few days. This is likely to amplify melting and the development of springtime mountain hazards. These hazards include falling ice, deep holes in the snowpack, open water, and undermined snow. All these have a long history of injuries and fatalities. Use careful route finding and make keen observations to limit your exposure and avoid these hazards.
Due to lack of snow and significant melting in the forecast, we have stopped forecasting for the low elevation band (below 3000 feet in elevation). Continue to use general caution in these areas and make slope-specific assessments of mountain hazards.
The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch.
OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.
