Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in new, wind-drifted snow on steep snow slopes above 3000’. Watch out for wind-sheltered areas on north-facing, east-facing, and south-facing slopes where new snow has collected into softer drifts. Avalanche conditions will become more dangerous overnight with additional new snow and increasing winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:Small new wind slabs could be found above 3000’ on steep slopes that face north, east, or south. 

    Old, thicker, and harder wind slabs that are much harder to trigger could be found above 3000’ in isolated areas on steep slopes that face east and south.

    How can you recognize it: Watch out for areas of softer, drifted snow in steep and wind-sheltered locations like below ridgelines, underneath cliffs, and in narrow gullies. Increased boot or ski penetration, shooting cracks under your feet, and a strong-over-weak snow structure are signs of a wind slab that could be unstable. 

    Old, harder wind slabs are isolated in nature and will be hard to identify without digging into the snow. Look for buried layers of soft snow sitting on top of much harder layers of snow. 

    How can you manage it:Choose travel routes carefully and travel strategically to limit your chance of triggering or being caught in an avalanche. Traveling on a hard, textured snow surface can help to avoid the avalanche hazard. Consider the actions of other people above you and the potential consequences of triggering even a small avalanche with many exposed rocks, ice, and terrain traps below.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect avalanche conditions to be variable and dynamic today. The ability to identify potential avalanche problems and adapt your travel plan based on your own observations is critical for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. 

Overnight, expect a significant increase in avalanche hazards with the incoming snow and increasing winds. If new snow begins to pile up and drift from the north and northwest winds, avalanche conditions are becoming dangerous. Naturally-triggered avalanches are possible late tonight through tomorrow.   

Small, recent avalanches in Right Gully and Raymond’s Cataract can give you an idea of the expected size and location characteristics of lingering hard wind slabs. 

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.

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