Presidential Range

Conditions are generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. Continue to use general caution when traveling on steep, snow covered slopes and make ongoing observations of the snow surface to inform your decision making. Expect avalanche hazards to increase overnight and tomorrow with incoming snowfall.

The snowpack remains generally stable through the day, but expect hazard to increase tonight as new snowfall builds wind slabs and increasing winds redistribute snow into south and east aspects. Less than 3 inches of new snow has fallen at the summit over the past week. With minimal recent loading, several days of warming temperatures, and periods of solar radiation, the snowpack has generally adjusted and stabilized. Small pockets of unstable snow may still be found in steep, extreme terrain.

Conditions change tonight: Conditions will change tonight as new snow and increasing winds arrive. Snow totals will depend on how quickly the low redevelops offshore, how long heavier snow bands linger over the higher terrain, and whether upslope snow continues after midnight. A faster redevelopment and longer duration bands would push totals higher; a quicker eastward shift would keep totals lower.

Wind slabs tonight and tomorrow: South winds this evening have the potential to begin drifting new snow as it falls, followed by a shift to west early tomorrow morning. Depending on how much snow falls and actual wind speeds, wind slabs may form at middle and upper elevations on north and east aspects. More snow plus sustained wind increases the likelihood of more widespread, reactive slabs by morning; lighter snowfall would keep slabs smaller and more isolated.

What to look for: Snow should begin around sunset and may intensify overnight, with 5-10 inches possible. Watch for active blowing snow and soft new drifts that look smooth, rounded, or pillowy. If you’re finding drifts deeper than your boot tops, take the time to evaluate carefully.

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.