Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

It is possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas of wind-drifted snow. These drifts can be found on steep south-facing slopes at middle and upper elevations. Watch for shooting cracks under your feet or deeper boot penetration to help identify the avalanche problem and use careful route-finding to avoid these sensitive areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Isolated pockets of small, reactive wind slabs, exist in steep terrain at middle and upper elevations. The most likely place to find these are on south-facing slopes near or adjacent to ridgeline terrain features. These wind slabs sit on top of a melt-freeze crust and could be reactive to the weight of a person. Look for areas of deeper, wind drifted snow to identify these sensitive areas and evaluate the snow carefully before traveling on them. 

    Watch out for warming from the sun on south aspects today, which could add weight to wind slabs and increase their sensitivity.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations yesterday confirmed the new snow and light north winds created sensitive wind slabs on south facing slopes. These light winds continued overnight with no new snow accumulation.

Today, decreasing north winds and cold temperatures will allow wind slabs to remain reactive and sensitive to the weight of a person. In areas where today’s avalanche problem exists, expect the possibility of sunshine and solar warming on the snow surface throughout the day. This warming along with light winds may help to promote stability over the long term, however initial warming of the snow surface could make wind slabs more reactive and sensitive to triggering. It will be important to pay attention to temperatures and sun exposure today on steep, south-facing slopes to assess the effect on slab stability. Use careful snowpack assessment like hand shears and column tests, to identify instability and areas of concern. If you are seeing roller balls, shooting cracks under your feet or getting deeper boot penetration in the snow, you are finding the avalanche hazard and cautious terrain choices should be made. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation 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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