Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely on the firm, refrozen, and generally stable snowpack. Look out for very small areas of softer wind drifted snow that could slide on the icy snow below. Crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet can help mitigate a dangerous fall on steep, icy snow slopes. Consider the consequences of a fall in steep terrain and make terrain choices that reduce your exposure to this danger.

The snowpack is generally firm, refrozen, and icy. In some wind-protected locations, small pockets of 1-3 inches of wind-drifted snow sit on top of the melt-freeze crust, but these are limited and generally not expected to behave as a distinct avalanche problem. Watch out for areas of softer snow that easily slide off the icy layer of snow below. The primary concern today is the consequence of a fall on the current hard snow surface. On steep slopes, losing an edge or stumbling could quickly turn into a long, uncontrollable slide. Even where a few inches of softer snow are found, that snow may slide on the frozen surface beneath, contributing to a fall rather than producing an avalanche. In places where terrain funnels into rocks and other exposed hazards, the margin for error is essentially gone. Conservative terrain choices will be important to manage this hazard today.

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.