Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in steep terrain where wind drifted snow has collected. These drifts are big enough to bury a person and can be found in eastern aspects of terrain. Avoid these areas to minimize your exposure to the avalanche hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and wind from yesterday's storm have created dangerous wind slabs at middle and upper elevations on north, northeast, east, southeast and south aspects. Natural avalanches and human triggered avalanches are likely and these will be big enough to bury a person. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are needed to minimize your exposure to the hazard today.

Avalanche Discussion

The summit of Mount Washington recorded 5.2 inches of low density, new snow from yesterday's storm. Hermit Lake snow plot recorded over 7 inches of new snow. Strong west and northwest winds began yesterday evening and have continued today, depositing this new snow into lee areas on eastern aspects. With a possibility of an additional 2 inches of snow throughout the day, the wind slab problem will continue to build. Blowing snow will limit visibility into the start zones of avalanche paths and travel should be conservative to mitigate today’s hazard. Blowing snow and recent avalanche activity are all red flags that the snowpack is unstable and steep terrain should be avoided. 

Regions covered