Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely during the daylight hours. Wind-scoured and icy snow surfaces are common and increase the risk of a dangerous sliding fall. Overnight, watch out for new snow and wind that may form small wind drifts on north and west-facing slopes that could avalanche from the weight of a person.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Late tonight and during the early hours of tomorrow morning, new wind slabs will have the opportunity to form on north-facing and west-facing slopes at upper and middle elevations. Expect these new slabs to be thin (4 - 8 inches or less) in depth during the forecast period, but increasing in size, distribution, and sensitivity as the storm progresses into tomorrow. Watch for new, blowing snow and for soft snow on the ground that cracks under your feet as a sign that wind slabs have started to develop.

Avalanche Discussion

As a significant winter storm approaches, new snow and wind will likely bring a new round of avalanche activity to the Presidential Range. A trend of increasing avalanche danger is expected beginning tonight and lasting through the middle of the week. During the daylight hours of today, expect conditions to be firm and avalanches to be unlikely. 

Many recent Observations support that firm, supportive wind-impacted snow is the primary snow surface at middle and upper elevations today. Old and isolated small wind slabs at middle elevations have become stubborn from time and recent warm temperatures. Areas of softer snow still exist in wind sheltered locations but likely lack the structure to propagate into a slab avalanche. 

Dangerous sliding falls on steep, wind-scoured, icy slopes should be on your radar today, especially high in the start zones in middle and upper elevations. Choose your terrain carefully and be aware of fall consequences. 

 

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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