Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger a large avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep east, and south-facing slopes above 3000 feet today. To reduce your risk, steer clear of slopes with obvious drifts and where the wind has stiffened and smoothed the snow surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    What and where is it:  After several days of snowfall, with 7 inches accumulated over the last three days, westerly winds and brief periods of southerly winds yesterday have formed wind slabs on northeast, east, and south aspects above 3,000 feet in elevation. The largest slabs can be found on east and southeast aspects and they are capable of producing a large avalanche.How can you recognize it: With good visibility, wind slabs can be identified as areas of smooth, rounded snow that may be several feet thick. While traveling, watch for snowdrifts deeper than your boot tops, as this is a sign that you've encountered a wind slab. Use your hand, shovel, or ski pole to assess the depth and structure of these slabs. A stronger, denser layer of snow over a softer, weaker layer indicates instability. Be sure to frequently assess the snowpack as you travel, as it can vary significantly - even within the same slope. How can you manage it: Actively look for areas of newly drifted snow and avoid deep drifts to limit your exposure to avalanche hazards. Today, the wind slab avalanche problem is likely to be smaller and less consequential on west-facing aspects. If you're uncertain about the sensitivity or location of wind slabs, consider taking an alternate route through simpler, low-angle terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

The recipe for considerable avalanche conditions exists: several days of new snow, and moderately strong west winds yesterday may have produced a snowpack with reactive wind slabs that could be several feet thick in east facing ravines. However, warm temperatures yesterday likely allowed some settling/stabilizing of the highly reactive slabs found on Wednesday. Additionally, the south winds yesterday may have limited snow available for transport when the wind shifted west in the afternoon, potentially limiting the size of new wind slabs. Today, approach terrain with a mindset that considerable avalanche hazards exist, carefully evaluate every slope before committing and if you find a more stable snowpack please let us know by submitting an observation. 

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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