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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Currently, firm, wind-packed snow and icy surfaces are the predominant features in avalanche terrain. New snow today could build into small, unstable slabs in isolated areas so don’t swap your avalanche rescue gear for crampons and an ice axe. Bring all those items and prepare for cold temperatures and extreme wind at higher elevations. Even a small avalanche could be a significant problem given the icy bed surface and cold temperatures that would challenge assessment and self-rescue efforts. The avalanche danger is LOW today; natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Evaluate the consequences of triggering even a small slide and make your terrain choices accordingly. Long sliding falls are possible where the wind has stripped any new snow, exposing a refrozen crust formed from a warm period Sunday morning. Carrying proper self-arrest tools will be your option to stop yourself if you begin sliding, even on low angle slopes. Cold temperatures slow and even reverse processes that normally create bonds that stabilize a snowpack so turn off your avalanche brain. Wind slabs are most unstable while they are developing so keep an eye out for drifting snow in steep terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

No avalanches have been reported this week despite multiple reports of faceting snow near buried ice crusts at middle and lower elevations. The new snow has been scoured out of terrain and densely packed in more protected areas which leaves us with no real avalanche concerns beyond the uncertainty created by very cold temperatures and a small amount of new snow on high wind. 

Winter climbers have sometimes viewed the cold and windy conditions on nearby Mount Washington as an opportunity to train for ascents in the greater ranges of the world. Given today's conditions during this otherwise warm and dry winter here, it’s worth comparing some forecasts for the weather on other peaks around the world. Today on Aconcagua (22,800’), 7F with wind at 15 mph; Mont Blanc, (15,700’) -8F and 15 mph; and Mt Elbrus (18,500’), -13F and 20 mph.  Even Denali will only be a bit colder on it’s 20,000’ summit at -20F with 50 mph wind and quite a bit warmer at Kahiltna basecamp at 0F with 10mph wind.  Depending on your location in the White Mountains, assistance can be many hours away. Don't underestimate this little mountain range.

Information on all US avalanche fatalities can be found here with details and accident reports appearing as they are submitted to the CAIC.  An interview with Simon Trautman of the National Avalanche Center on the recent cluster of fatal avalanche accidents can be found here. 

 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to submit all the observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming. 

 Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

 

Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info. 

Our next free online event is coming up Thursday, March 18 @ 7PM -Women’s Backcountry Talk- A Free Zoom Webinar.

 

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

  • Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
  • Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.

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