Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Incoming snow and wind will increase the likelihood of avalanches in steep terrain of the middle and upper elevations. This evening's snowfall will elevate the avalanche danger and make it more likely to see natural and human triggered avalanches in skiable terrain. Proper timing and avoidance of wind drifted slabs are things to consider while moving through avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow accumulations and moderate south and southwest winds today will increase the chances of finding unstable pockets of wind drifted snow. Over the past two days we have seen the sensitivity of existing surface slabs increase as cold temperatures have degraded snow grains. Human triggered avalanches have also been continuing with isolated slabs, up to 12 inches deep, releasing on steep east-facing slopes. Today and into tonight expect heavy snowfall and blowing snow to increase the chances for natural and human triggered avalanches, as the snow is deposited on weakened slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

Our snowpack is still predominantly thin and uneven in distribution, with isolated snow pockets scattered amongst rock, ice, and vegetation. The deepest snow resides in steep east-facing terrain, which is the skiable destination for many travelers visiting Mount Washington and the Presidentials. New snow today will increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche in the middle and upper elevations. 

A low pressure system entering New Hampshire today is accompanied by warm air trailing up the coast which is likely to bring mixed precipitation to the highest elevations tomorrow. Snowfall rates this evening could bring up to 10 inches of new snow in a short amount of time. Rapid loading of an already weakened surface snowpack and the addition of rain could tempt failure of the surface slabs, helping them release down to the old snow/ice bed-surface. 

Tonight the mountains could potentially see Considerable avalanche danger. The change over to rain in the early morning Friday will saturate the snow making slabs weak. Although, south and southwest flow is not ideal for spreading snow from the upper fetch and snowfields down into eastern ravines. Blowing snow from ridges will crossload slopes and spackle wet snow onto northern aspects.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is OPEN due to reduced avalanche risk, and is currently the least hazardous, direct route to the summit of Mt Washington from Pinkham Notch. 

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