Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

An early morning warming trend has elevated the concern for afternoon wet snow avalanches. Slabs of wind drifted snow on eastern aspects, have the potential to become heavy and destructive large avalanches as warmth persists throughout today. As the slopes heat up avoid being on steep terrain, especially where wind transported snow has collected.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

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

    A warming trend today will soften previously drifted slabs of wind-blown snow. If enough prolonged warmth or exposed sun melt these surface slabs they could release as a large avalanche. The distribution of these slabs is isolated and correlates to yesterday's wind slab avalanche problem on eastern aspects. Older refrozen snow, devoid of recent slabs, is a safer riding alternative today.

    The depth of some slabs is significant, especially in places like Left Gully where a very large drift has formed on the lower reaches of this ski run. The aspect and orientation of the previous northwest winds has loaded this particular area with a slab that could be several feet thick. Many of the drifts are of 1F hardness and stubborn to human triggering, but with enough rapid warming today it is possible that they may fail under your feet.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Melting surface snow on all aspects will be heavy and may pour downslope as small loose snow avalanches this afternoon. These avalanches may occur naturally or with the added weight of a human trigger but will remain less destructive than a wet slab avalanche. With much of the ski terrain firm from wind and ice, the likelihood of being swept off your feet for a long sliding fall is significant. Enjoy your turns early, today's warm-up has begun with middle elevation temperatures near 50F degrees at 6AM.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday's clear and cool conditions were ideal for hikers and fairweather skiers. Early morning dry snow was found atop unreactive, previously drifted slabs or where rimed particles had collected. Audibly loud skiing was found on the firm and refrozen surfaces adjacent to the drifted snow. Most enthusiasts did not venture beyond the midpoint of steep slopes, skiing the less wind scoured bottom half of the ravine.

Overcast skies today will dampen the sun's ability to rapidly heat the slopes, but warm air will contribute to the melting of surface snow. Loose wet avalanches will be the easiest to trigger, especially if we get more than predicted rains. If the sun makes an appearance today be cautious of southern aspects that have recent wind driven snow deposits as that will exacerbate the wet slab avalanche problem.

When creating an avalanche forecast for an entire range of mountains we cannot be in all places, nor across each slope and aspect. Inherently a bit of uncertainty exists within our messaging and that is why we rely upon your input and observations to bring more accuracy to this product. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered