Presidential Range

Small avalanches from new snow today are possible above 3000 feet. Watch snow totals and be ready to manage small loose snow avalanche problems. Choosing low angle terrain can help to manage the new snow.

New snow is the primary avalanche concern today, though uncertainty in the storm track and precipitation type introduces variability in the hazard. Previous wind slabs formed earlier this week have settled and are now largely unreactive.

Today’s storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of snow above 3,000 feet, with freezing levels around 2,000 feet and east winds at 20 - 40 mph. This scenario, which is the most probable outcome, would result in limited snow transport due to relatively light wind speeds. At the low end of forecasted snow totals (around 2 inches), avalanche hazard remains minimal. At the higher end (closer to 4 inches), expect the potential for small sluffs on steep slopes, best managed as a loose dry avalanche problem.

If surface temperatures rise and precipitation transitions to sleet or freezing rain, new snow could become saturated, creating a small wet loose avalanche problem. Even in this case, the small volume of new snow would likely keep avalanche size small and consequential only in the steepest terrain if it creates a sliding fall hazard. 

A less likely but still possible scenario is the arrival of a band of enhanced snowfall combined with colder air aloft. This could push localized snow totals to 6–8 inches. Even then, with continued light winds out of the east, slab development remains unlikely. Instead, dry loose avalanches could become more widespread in steep terrain and would require more thoughtful management. 

Overall, new snow instabilities today are expected to be relatively minor, but the uncertainty in precipitation type, accumulation, and temperature should be top-of-mind. Keep an eye on snowfall rates and surface wetness throughout the day and be prepared to adjust risk management strategies accordingly.

It’s worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. Snow holes, undermined snow, and icy slopes could be hidden by new snow today. 

• Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Exposed rocks, trees, and ice could amplify the consequences of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no-fall zones.
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Check out our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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.