Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow fell overnight with high winds drifting the snow into easterly ravines and cross loading other locations. Stubborn wind slabs are the primary avalanche concern today with an icy and hard crust complicating travel in steep terrain. Triggering one of these wind slabs is possible in steeper, wind loaded terrain though natural avalanches are unlikely. MODERATE avalanche danger exists today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Field time yesterday revealed stiffer and more stubborn (1F) slabs than expected. Recent new snow was observed sluffing down steep cliffs and adding thickness and size to the wind slabs below. More snow and wind last night continued this trend. It is likely that the bridging power and strength of the current wind slabs above the Feb. 16 ice crust will carry most loads applied to these slabs, but terrain configuration remains a key component of this stability formula. Approach convexities, aprons of sluff and the steepest terrain with caution. 

Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches were reported or observed yesterday following the highest sustained wind speeds for the previous 5 days. Good visuals into Tucks and field time in Huntington revealed boot-top deep snow distributed in leeward location and tucked into protected areas. You can see Chris’ observation here for more details.

 

Wind last night increased beyond the previous week's peak wind speeds so no doubt further loading occurred. The question is whether the building blocks for new slabs consisted of only the 1.2” new snow or older snow on the ground. The hard slabs that resulted from those wind speeds will likely be firm and stubborn but slab development is recent so be vigilant to unnecessary exposure in your travel choices.

 

Information on all US avalanche fatalities can be found here with details and accident reports appearing as they are submitted to the CAIC.  An interview with Simon Trautman of the National Avalanche Center on the recent cluster of fatal avalanche accidents can be found here. 

 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to submit all the observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming. 

 

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 25 @ 7PM - Barriers to Cognition and Perception with Blake Keogh  - A Free Zoom Webinar.

 

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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