Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Watch out for small areas of new wind-drifted snow in wind-sheltered locations, which may slide easily on the hard snow below. Hard, re-frozen snow is widespread across avalanche terrain. Mountaineering skills and equipment are needed for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. In current conditions, a long-sliding-fall may be impossible to self arrest (stop) and can have deadly consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small, shallow wind slabs that are a few inches deep have formed in wind-sheltered locations on lee aspects. The distribution and sensitivity of these slabs is variable - they may be stuck on the old snow surface in some areas or touchy and ready to slide in others. Though very small in size, triggering one of these thin wind slabs could be enough to compromise balance and initiate a fall. Avoid this avalanche problem by traveling on hard, frozen snow surfaces.

Avalanche Discussion

An upslope snowfall effect in the Presidentials yesterday brought another 0.9 inches of snow accumulation to the higher summits, bringing the total since Sunday evening to 2.1 inches. 50 - 80 mph westerly and northwesterly winds have redistributed this snow onto lee areas in sheltered pockets of terrain where rock buttresses and steep terrain features protect slopes below and allow this snow to collect. These patchy areas of new snow are visible throughout remaining snow slopes in the forecast area. Though slabs will be small in size, assess their sensitivity with a hand sheer or similar test before committing to traveling on this softer snow. 

Assess snow quality from a distance by noticing a difference in color. New snow drifts will be matte white and smooth while the old icy snow surface will appear gray and textured. Expect the gray old snow surfaces in avalanche terrain to be hard, stable, and very slick. Travel on these surfaces to avoid wind slabs - however - a slip, fall, or loss of balance in steep or exposed terrain can have devastating outcomes in these conditions.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

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

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