Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Mostly stable avalanche conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. Triggering a small avalanche remains possible in east facing ravines where you find pockets of unstable snow on steep slopes. Continue to make slope-specific stability assessments and use thoughtful travel techniques in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs built during last week's storms are steadily trending towards stability, becoming stubborn to trigger in most locations. However, some areas of concern still exist on steep east facing ravines. Look for thick pillows of snow to identify areas of concern. Chute, top of Left Gully and Sluice in Tuckerman Ravine are examples with thick pockets of wind slab that may continue to harbor some reactivity as suggested by recent observations. 

    If you choose to explore these remaining areas of concern, to some extent you accept the possibility of triggering a slide - which makes paying attention to the consequences of getting surprised all the more important. Approach these areas carefully, continually evaluating as you move. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

Recent discussions have highlighted two weak layers in the snowpack:

  • Density changes within the new slab 
  • Facet growth on one or two melt freeze crusts below the new slab 

The recent surface slabs are trending towards stability, as shown with increasingly stubborn stability test results, and also supported by skier traffic and no slab failures. High wind speeds over the next 48 hours will continue to stiffen the snow surface and further increase the stability of these slabs. 

Faceting around the deeper melt-freeze crusts still exists, and the process is likely continuing due to cold temperatures. However, snow above these deeper weak layers has become stronger and more supportive, acting as a bridge to lessen the chance of a skier stressing these deeper instabilities. Under the pressure of strong wind speeds, surface slabs will continue to strengthen, further reducing the chances of triggering a slide on this layer.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit 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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