West wind will increase through the day and drift snow from the alpine fetch zones into slabs that could be triggered by a skier or climber. The resulting avalanche could be large enough to bury a person. You’ll need to carefully evaluate snow and current wind loading patterns to find and avoid this avalanche problem. Natural avalanches are possible in wind loaded areas as well so move one at a time and avoid lingering in avalanche paths. Deep snow exists in many glades in the area and provides an attractive alternative on this cold and windy day.
The Winter Lion Head Route is now the best option to climb to the summit from Pinkham Notch with wind slab avalanche hazards on the summer trail near treeline.
Drifting snow has loaded and cross-loaded multiple aspects at major ravine elevations. These vary from firm and stubborn, older wind slabs to softer slabs that will likely be more sensitive to a human trigger. You will also find these slabs beneath steep pitches of ice and below steep buttresses where snow has piled up from sluffing action.
Recent cold temperatures and crusts have driven a faceting problem in areas of thinner snowpack. Natural avalanche activity has occurred on this layer at lower elevations outside our forecast area. Faceted snow has been observed more locally beneath the hard 157mph crust within our forecast area at 4200’. This problem was identified at the ground at lower & mid elevations with a thinner snowpack. Snowfall or a skier/climber could overload these weak layers initiating an avalanche in the right conditions. Look and listen for collapsing and whumpfing.
Our previously limited snowpack this season has become deeper and much more complex when we entered a new weather pattern due to our position in a trough. Stable snow does exist in the terrain but this stability trend is not increasing. Direct action avalanches such as wind or storm slabs are often straightforward to evaluate in the field but the recent cold weather and mix of crusts that now exist should have you digging regularly as you move around in the field. Careful observations and cautious route finding will be key to a safe day. Today’s rating carries some uncertainty due to an unknown amount of snow remaining in the alpine fetch zones. You’ll find large expanses of scoured wind board, sastrugi and heavily rimed surfaces in many areas of the alpine and summits with large drifts in wind sheltered spots.
Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here.
Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info.
Thursday, February 11 @ 7PM - Patagonia Films Event - Solving for Z In this film, IFMGA Mountain Guide Zahan Billimoria explores his relationship with risk and reward in the mountains where stunning cinematography and engaging storytelling make this film truly stand out. This event is FREE and we are excited to host Zahan live at the end of the showing to answer some of your questions live!
The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin.
Please Remember:
For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.
