Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The chance for avalanches will increase through the morning rising to HIGH, as continued snowfall and wind drifting create very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural and human triggered avalanches are almost certain. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong wind and snow today will rapidly build wind slabs that will be reactive or even touchy at mid and upper elevations. While the size of the new slabs has some level of uncertainty due to differences in forecast snow totals, even the lesser forecast is enough to create a large avalanche. Visibility will be challenged today due to blowing snow, drifting and loading will be difficult to predict due to cross loading behind rock buttresses, and natural avalanches will be likely in many areas. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack that existed prior to today’s storm will play the role of bed surface with no significant widespread weak layers present. Soft snow could be found in isolated areas and may contribute to the size of the debris flow if entrained into an avalanche, but for the most part the hard existing bed surface will act as the sliding surface for avalanche activity today. The chances of an avalanche stepping down deep into the existing snowpack is limited, however this should not be a factor in your decision making today. With 7” overnight, and up to 12-13” today, new snow combined with wind is sufficient to make travel in avalanche terrain dangerous.

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 4 @ 7PM - Avalanche Awareness with Al Mandel.Al Mandell of Acadia Mountain Guides joins us to chat live about Avalanche Awareness.  We hope you join us!

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin.

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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