Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger a small avalanche in steep and wind-protected terrain above 3000 feet. Watch out for areas where the wind has created new snow drifts deeper than the top of your boot. Even a small avalanche can have terrible consequences if it causes a fall in steep terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:Small new wind slabs could be found on steep, easterly aspects and around wind-protected terrain features like below ridgelines, cliffs, and in narrow gullies. 

    How can you recognize it: If you see new snow being blown by the wind and accumulating in wind-protected areas, shooting cracks from under your feet, or drifts of new snow deeper than your boot, you are seeing warning signs of a wind slab. Watch out for new, wind-drifted snow that struggles to stick to the hard, old snow surface. Make routine observations throughout the day to better understand the location and sensitivity of new wind slabs.

    How can you manage it:Identify warning signs of new wind slabs and travel strategically to minimize your exposure to the hazard. In addition to your own terrain decisions, watch out for the decisions of other people, who may be above you in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Today’s low rating is based on the 1 - 3 inches of new snow accumulation yesterday and very high wind speeds, continuing through the day. The most likely places to find this hazard are in the most wind-sheltered areas of easterly aspects.

The overall snowpack in the forecast area varies significantly by elevation and terrain. Below 3,000 feet, the snowpack lacks sufficient depth and continuity to serve as a viable bed surface for avalanches. While many of the ravines contain some connected and developed snow-covered slopes, overall snowpack depth remains below average for late January. Tuckerman Ravine stands out as having the most developed avalanche paths, with more substantial snow accumulation compared to other areas.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.

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