Presidential Range

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely given the current snow and weather conditions. Surface snow conditions are thin and variable, changing throughout the day from melting to firm and icy. Prepare for inclement weather while having the skills and equipment to avoid sliding falls. 

The middle and upper elevation temperatures remained above freezing overnight. Light rain and freezing fog are adding variability to the already thin surface snow conditions. This evening's snow showers will likely stick to wetted and refrozen snow surfaces. At the higher end of our precipitation spectrum we could see up to 3 inches of new snow overnight and into the morning. This new snow and southerly winds could form slabs on leeward slopes creating an avalanche problem for tomorrow. 

Long Sliding Falls: Traveling in steep avalanche terrain today will require full mountaineering equipment including stiff boots, crampons, and an ice ax. Long sliding falls are dangerous, injuring or killing more people than avalanches in our forecast area.

New! December Weather History Chart. MWAC has published a monthly view of our weather and snowpack tracker. Forecasters use this to help visualize the running history of weather events, corresponding avalanche hazard ratings and avalanche cycles. We hope you find this helpful to keep your mental model of the snowpack accurate. 

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. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.