Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Several days of snow, combined with several days of west and northwest wind have worked to drift snow onto eatern aspects. Human triggered avalanches are possible today  and could be large in some locations including Tuckerman Ravine and the Gulf of Slides.  Natural avalanches are less likely, though not impossible. Stick to firm, wind-scoured surfaces or shallow drifted snow to avoid the avalanche problem today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Large wind slabs 2 feet thick or more, formed from the 17-24 inches of snow over the past 5 days are trending stubborn due to strong wind speeds, but remain possible to trigger. Softer slabs in wind protected areas will be more sensitive, but don’t rule out the possibility of triggering a large, firm slab - all it takes is finding a weak spot over a rock to get it sliding. 

    Watch for active wind loading at ridgetops as an indicator for continued slab building and possible natural avalanches below. 

    Tuckerman Ravine, March 4. 

Avalanche Discussion

Early morning observations reveal D2 (approximate) crown lines high in Center Bowl and The Lip in Tuckerman Ravine. Sharp lines suggest recency, likely occurring late yesterday or overnight. While the primary driver for natural avalanches today, wind transporting snow, has slowed this morning don’t rule out the possibility of a natural avalanche.

Careful decision making will be required when traveling in avalanche terrain today. Strong wind yesterday and overnight will have worked to harden surface slabs in the most exposed locations, reducing the chance for triggering a slide but variability from terrain features, combined with several days of slabs forming on slightly different aspects will challenge safe travel.  

Thanks to everyone for taking 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 now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered