Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

Highlights

While triggering a large avalanche has become unlikely, there’s still an outside chance for triggering a wind drift on steep terrain above 3000 feet. Traveling on hard and textured old snow surfaces will reduce your chance of triggering unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: Wind slabs of drifted snow have formed in east and south-facing terrain above 3000 ft from 4-5  inches of snow on the 10th - 11th.  How can you recognize it: Most wind slabs have a little wind texture on the surface, and some might still look smooth and pillowy. Probe with a ski pole to assess thickness, and take a close look at the slab/underlying snow structure to judge sensitivity. How can you manage it: Observations suggest recent wind slabs are generally well bonded to the old surface and lack a concerning structure.That said, pay attention in steep terrain especially if you find a thicker slab. Continue to evaluate any wind slabs carefully before committing in consequential terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday finally brought good visibility, allowing forecasters to get eyes on start zones and refine our understanding of the most recent wind slabs. It has now been about three days since this batch of slabs formed, and observations (OBS1, OBS2, OBS3) suggest they generally don’t have a concerning structure and are well bonded to the older, firmer snow below. While drift thickness remains variable, ranging from scoured surfaces to deeper pockets in wind protected terrain, the slabs found in steeper, well-developed avalanche paths have been more limited in size and depth. As a result, we’re tipping into a LOW hazard rating today: in most locations, triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person is unlikely, but isolated wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain still deserve careful, slope-specific evaluation - especially where you encounter a thicker drift.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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