Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind blown deposits of recent snow are sensitive to human triggering. East-facing steep terrain in the middle elevations is where you are likely to find today's avalanche problem. Avoiding isolated pockets of wind transported snow in steep and consequential terrain will increase your safety margins.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Dry snow has been loading on eastern aspects creating slabs capable of failing under the weight of a human. Simple hand shears and controlled slope tests have indicated that these slabs are variable in regards to sensitivity over the terrain. Skiable terrain is limited, and questionable slabs linger in areas where people are traveling such as Chute and Left Gully of Tuckerman Ravine. Recent cold temperatures add fragility to these slabs increasing the risk to travelers. Expect these slabs to break above you and encompass a wider and deeper allotment to snow than anticipated. In most places exposed rocks and vegetation are the objects you could hit if you are the victim of a small avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

With the lack of an evenly distributed snowpack across the Presidential Range, it is concerning that the slabs of wind drifted snow are in prime locations where skiers want to be. Smooth wind sculpted snow surfaces should be evaluated for depth and sensitivity before you commit to exposing yourself to a steep slope. And just because you see tracks or other skiers on a given piece of terrain does not mean that there isn't an avalanche waiting to release.  

Wind loaded snow distribution is uneven and can range in sensitivity just a few feet away. Observations have been reporting high variability with the forces needed to have slab failure while performing column tests. Digging a single snow pit for analysis is not always the best method for gaining slope specific details about the avalanche problem. If you are planning to get yourself into steep committing terrain today, on an eastern aspect, expect to be in the line of fire for dry slab avalanches. 

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. 

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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