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

Finding small pockets of wind-drifted snow remains possible above 3,000 feet in terrain sheltered from the wind, where a human could trigger a slide. Travel on firm, textured snow surfaces to limit your chances of triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: New wind slabs may be found in the eastern ravines from roughly 3 inches of recent snow and very strong west winds. Where wind slabs exist, expect them to be generally limited in size and distribution. In many locations, extensive scouring will have prevented slabs from forming altogether. The most likely place to find one is between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, where terrain features have sheltered drifting snow from extreme winds, allowing drifts to build.How can you recognize it: When visibility allows, wind slabs are easy to spot: look for smooth, clean, bright-white snow that contrasts with textured, wind-affected surfaces and dull older snow. Be wary of softer drifts more than a foot deep that feel or sound hollow. If you find these drifts, dig down to the interface between the new wind-drifted snow and the hard old surface to evaluate the structure and how sensitive it is to triggering.

    How can you manage it: Use visual cues to look for and understand the distribution of any new wind slabs. Pay close attention when transitioning from wind-affected terrain into sheltered pockets of new snow and continue to evaluate stability as snow surfaces change as you travel.

Avalanche Discussion

A series of strong weather systems over the past several days has left the snowpack in a state of rapid adjustment. Yesterday’s rain and cold frontal passage were followed by a sharp temperature drop and a return to snow, with about 3 inches of new snow falling alongside extreme west winds. It is possible to find steep, refrozen snow on exposed slopes today, where crampons and an ice axe will be necessary for safe travel.This morning, the primary uncertainty for forecasters was the size and distribution of any newly formed wind slabs in terrain sheltered from the wind. During the forecast meeting, we discussed whether a Moderate hazard rating at mid elevations might better reflect this uncertainty, particularly if slabs were more widespread or larger than anticipated. Weather at these extremes is difficult to account for, and small changes in wind direction or terrain sheltering can lead to unpredictable loading. Ultimately, we concluded that any new wind slabs would likely be very isolated and generally small in size. While a person could still trigger a small slab where one exists, the overall likelihood and distribution supported a Low hazard rating at mid elevations. As always, careful observation and conservative terrain choices remain important, especially when transitioning from wind-scoured terrain into sheltered pockets where softer drifts may exist.

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