Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It remains possible that you could trigger a small avalanche in sheltered east-facing terrain. Later in the day, new snow will increase the avalanche hazard as the wind begins to drift snow into east-facing terrain. Look out for blowing snow, drifts deeper than your boot tops, and shooting cracks as signs of the developing problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    What and where is it: 

    Early in the day, look out for yesterday’s wind slabs in sheltered east and south-east facing terrain at middle and upper elevations. At upper elevations, these slabs were observed to be poorly bonded due to the firm rimed surface underneath.

    With new snow forecast in the afternoon and through the evening, look out for newly forming wind slabs in northeast, east, and south aspects at middle and upper elevations.  

    How can you recognize it: 

    This morning, take advantage of clear visibility to identify smooth wind-drifted snow. This will be in contrast to textured, scoured, and wind-hardened old snow surfaces. Areas of concern will be sheltered snow and steep unsupported areas in east-facing terrain.

    In the afternoon, look for blowing snow at ridgelines as a sign of newly developing wind slabs. Pay attention as snow begins to accumulate and dig down to the old snow interface to see how new slabs are bonding.

    How can you manage it: 

    Your best tool will be your eyes this morning. To limit your exposure, plan your travel on firm and wind-hardened surfaces. If you choose to travel through pillowy smooth drifts, take time to dig down to the interface to assess the slab's sensitivity. Isolated slabs may have a strong-over-weak structure, and these are the isolated areas to be wary of.  

    As snow accumulates this afternoon, pay attention to blowing snow and snow drifts deeper than your boot tops. 

Avalanche Discussion

Observations from Tuckerman Ravine (obs 1, obs 2) found a generally stable snowpack and observed high skier traffic. However, isolated areas of snow in steep, sheltered east-facing slopes were avoided, so limited information is available. Use visual assessment first and dig down to assess the interface if you choose to travel through pillowy drifts. 

This afternoon, as new snow accumulates and is transported, be on the lookout for newly developing wind slabs and an increasing avalanche hazard. The approaching low-pressure system will increase cloud coverage and limit visibility. Consider limiting overhead exposure if you cannot see if another party is above you later in the day. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

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