Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Recent accumulations and transporting winds have elevated our concern for large avalanches in isolated locations. It is possible to find slabs of drifted snow on steep wind-protected east facing slopes in the middle elevation zone. Incoming snow and the additional weight of a human trigger could prompt failure in these unstable slabs, resulting in avalanches that can bury you.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    After a potent storm on MLK Monday that dropped over 15 inches on the summit of Mount Washington, the entire Presidential Range has been blasted by extreme winds. During the storm east winds scoured the ski terrain of Tuckerman Ravine leaving behind isolated snow deposits that were 1 to 3 feet thick on the floor. Post storm winds became westerly and redistributed the snow back onto east facing terrain. The thickness and connectivity of the remaining slabs is still undetermined due to yesterday’s poor visibility. The combination of older slabs, and slabs that will be created by today's weather and winds, allows for the avalanche rating the remain at Considerable. Keep in mind the recipe is there for the possibility of large avalanches in confining terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

The winds have unevenly distributed the recent snow into drifts that are of one finger hardness and up to 3 feet thick. Some of these consolidated slabs are firm enough to walk on but many are unsupported by the softer snow beneath. Firm snow over weak is the proper combination when dealing with a potential avalanche scenario. Dense snow can allow the failure of a crack in the snowpack to propagate or continue to a farther extent. Look for immediate cracking of the surface snow around you or the ominous sudden collapse of the slab as you step on it. Wind drifted slabs will look smooth and textureless and in contrast to the older snow surrounding. Hopefully you have noticed the early indications before the ultimate slab failure and resulting avalanche.

A fair bit of uncertainty lies with the distribution of the wind transported snow. Without confirming observations of where the slabs linger on the terrain, we are keeping the rating a bit more conservative today. We always hope that the individual will make informed decisions while traveling in the unpredictable elements of unmitigated backcountry terrain. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is the preferred option to the summit.

Regions covered