Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a loose wet sluff avalanche today will become possible as temperatures rise above freezing. Watch for snow surfaces becoming wet as a sign that snow stability is decreasing. Sliding falls on a steep frozen snow surface may continue to be a dangerous hazard early in the day, or on shaded aspects. Crampons and an ice axe will be required tools today. Avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE as temperatures rise above freezing.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose sluff avalanches are likely to be initiated under your feet in steep terrain today. Watch for decreased surface snow stability as temperatures rise.  This avalanche problem today will be driven more by solar gain than ambient  air temperatures so you’ll most likely find this avalanche problem on southerly aspects before becoming more widespread through the terrain later in the afternoon. Watch for rollerballs as a sign that wet loose avalanches are becoming possible. These will be small in size, generally easy to manage, though capable of pulling you off your feet. Consider the consequence of a wet loose sluff induced fall in your travels today.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs scattered around the terrain at mid and lower elevations have had time to gain strength which was helped by high winds. Any lingering weak layers remaining within may be further weakened by free water as the sun and warm temperatures melt surface snow reducing stability. If you find very wet boot-top snow, realize that there’s water available to penetrate into the snowpack and exploit any weaknesses.  So far, these wind slabs have proven to be unreactive, and stable. While it’s unlikely that today’s decrease in stability or even a wet-loose avalanche could impact deeper layers, keep the consequences of even a small avalanche from wet or dry snow in mind while you travel in avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Snow will soften today, but don’t expect great spring skiing on all aspects. Much of the snowpack consists of 1F snow capped with an ice crust which will melt to something that’s unlikely to resemble good corn snow on a smooth surface. Very firm wind slabs without a weak layer beneath will provide safer travel, and more fun skiing. An easy test to look for a hidden weak layer is to push the handle of your ski pole down into the snow feeling for a soft layer. If the firm wind slabs become wet, the chance for a hidden weak layer to fail is increasing, especially if that weak layer is close to the top of the snowpack. 

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. 

Our next free online event is coming up Thursday, March 18 @ 7PM -Women’s Backcountry Talk- A Free Zoom Webinar. Signup is required. 

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

  • Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
  • Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

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.

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