Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

You could trigger a large avalanche in wind-drifted snow on east and southeast facing terrain at middle elevations. While conditions are becoming more stable, deeper snow and areas of smooth, bright white, pillow-shaped snow may harbor this lingering avalanche problem. Travel on wind textured firm snow surfaces to avoid these areas of potentially unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Old wind slabs at middle elevations are becoming increasingly stable and are unlikely to trigger. These slabs are generally small in size in most areas. On the western half of the compass, evidence of this avalanche problem may be hard to find. The greatest concern for today is the large areas of drifted snow found primarily on east and southeast aspects. The traverse on Summer Lion Head trail is an example of an east facing slope harboring an old but large wind slab. While these slabs are continuing to gain strength, recent observations suggest that lingering instabilities persist.

    To identify the avalanche problem, look for pillowy, smooth snow in east and southeast-facing terrain. Test the sensitivity by digging down to the interface of the old snow and consider potential consequences, as many of these sheltered pillowy snow drifts are harbored above exposed rocks and trees.

    Summer Lion Head Traverse 2/23/24

Avalanche Discussion

After three days of warm temperatures, falling temperatures today will likely further increase stability, especially on south aspects. A question remains: will this temperature drop today be enough to stabilize weak layers in the deeper slabs found on east and southeast aspects? Investigate before committing. 

Warming followed by cooling also brings slick icy surfaces to the forefront. Help keep yourself safe on icy steep surfaces by using crampons and an ice axe.

Regions covered