Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Watch for pockets of wind drifted snow at ravine elevations. Human triggered avalanches are possible in new snow deeper than your boot-top. A greater hazard today may be from long sliding falls on a refrozen bed surface.  Crampons and an ice axe will be necessary for safe travel in steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong northwest winds have created wind slabs by blowing the 3 inches of new snow above treeline into east facing ravines. After 90-100mph wind speeds early this morning, expect the start zones high in avalanche paths to be mostly scoured and likely offering a hard, slick and frozen surface. You’re most likely to find the new wind slabs lower down in avalanche paths and tucked behind terrain features. In general, the new slabs should be somewhat isolated, and won’t be found everywhere. Look for pillows of clean white snow to identify the new wind slabs. 

    If the snow becomes deeper than your boot top as you're traveling, it's time to pay extra attention. High wind speeds tend to pack the new snow, decreasing sensitivity to a trigger, so shooting cracks aren’t going to be a reliable indicator for an unstable slab. 

    We expect the new snow to be sufficiently bonded to yesterday’s wetted-refreezing bed surface, however be sure to test by using simple hand shears as you move in the terrain. You may be able to avoid this avalanche problem altogether by traveling on wind scoured surfaces with little or no new snow. Keep in mind that wind-scoured surfaces are likely to be icy and hard, with serious long sliding fall potential.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    New snow on south aspects will warm from the sun and become wet. Roller balls in steep terrain are an indicator for this avalanche problem. These wet loose sluffs will be small in size but can pull you off your feet if not managed appropriately.

Avalanche Discussion

After yesterday’s wet snowpack refroze, long sliding falls are likely to be the greatest hazard today. In areas without new snow, or with just a thin layer of new snow, a fall may be impossible to arrest. In steep terrain on a refrozen surface, falling skiers will quickly accelerate making self arrest with an axe impossible, regardless of fast reflexes and practiced technique. Remember that large rocks exist in most of the runouts, making a long sliding fall even more dangerous. 

Be conscious that other people in the terrain above you may fall, knocking you from your feet. You can reduce your exposure to this hazard by minimizing your time directly below other people.

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 John Sherburne Ski Trail is closed before the last hill. Please cross over to the Tuckerman Ravine trail at the yellow rope and walk down the hiking trail.
  • The Harvard Cabin is closed for the season.
  • The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

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