Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger is rising throughout the day. You could trigger an avalanche in new and recent wind-drifted snow above 3,000 feet. To reduce your risk, avoid obvious drifts and limit your time beneath large avalanche paths.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    What and where is it:  After several days of snowfall and strong west/northwest winds, large wind slabs primarily on northeast, east, and southeast aspects may appear stubborn but remain sensitive to a human trigger. New snow from last night and today, combined with southwest and west winds, may build softer, more reactive wind slabs on top of the older slabs.

    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. New wind slabs will be softer, look for shooting cracks and actively drifting snow as a red flag. The older slabs are larger, and won’t give much feedback as to reactivity without digging. 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

Keep in mind two versions of wind slabs today:New wind slabs forming today are likely to present as classic soft wind slabs, building throughout the day, especially as winds shift to the west and increase in the afternoon. Look for deeper drifts, use hand shears, and watch for shooting cracks—these will be useful tools to help assess the conditions.The older, larger wind slabs are becoming stubborn; however, the chance for triggering a large, dangerous avalanche remains. With poor visibility today, these slabs will be hard to identify from a distance. Don’t forget about them! Ski tracks on one of these older slabs are not proof of stability. Evaluate carefully. 

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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