Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Large avalanches could be caused by the weight of a person on smooth-looking snow drifts in steep terrain. Travel on hard, wind-textured snow surfaces to help avoid triggering an avalanche. Pay attention to warming temperatures and sunshine, which could make avalanche conditions more dangerous.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs with a weak structure that are variable in thickness and sensitivity can be found on many aspects of the compass. Triggering a wind slab avalanche is possible today. These slabs will be largest and most dangerous on east-facing and south-facing slopes and have the potential to bury one or multiple people. As temperatures warm and the sun affects the surface of the snow, expect wind slabs to become more unstable. 

    Wind slabs today have the potential to be well-connected (larger in size) across steep slopes, making them harder to manage safely. Traveling on firm, textured, wind-scoured snow without any overhead hazards can help to avoid being caught in or triggering an avalanche. Watch for shooting cracks as a sign of instability and dig down to assess snowpack structure and bed surface bonding to help make slope-specific assessments.

Avalanche Discussion

Even with less-than-impressive snow totals of 4.1 inches at Hermit Lake in the past 36 hours, the potential for Presidential Range avalanche paths to produce large avalanches today should not be underestimated. Well-developed start zones, long run outs, and large fetch areas combined with new snow and wind will contribute to the avalanche recipe today. 

Accurately assessing snow stability will take practical application of experience, knowledge, and skills today. It is worth remembering that the snow low in an avalanche runout is often not representative of the snow in an avalanche starting zone. Good terrain management, thoughtful travel techniques, and effective decision making process are all critical today for safe travel in avalanche terrain. 

 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

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