Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist and large avalanches are unlikely. On slopes facing the sun, the chance for triggering an avalanche will increase as the snowpack heats up. Traveling on the hard, textured old snow surface instead of smooth, deeper snow drifts can help you avoid this avalanche problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect to find stubborn wind slabs at middle and upper elevations on northeast through south aspects and in wind-protected terrain features. Slab depth will be variable, between 6 inches and 1.5 feet thick. Field observations yesterday support these slabs being stubborn and unreactive, but warming temperatures today may work to decrease stability especially on southern aspects. Investigating stability and snow structure will be important today. In many areas, wind has scoured snow away and exposed the firm and generally stable old snow surface. 

    Identify the wind slabs by looking for areas of smooth clean snow. Watch for boot penetration in new snow that goes past your boot tops and softer snow that has strong-over-weak characteristics. Traveling on hard, textured, old snow surfaces is one way to navigate around this avalanche problem.

Avalanche Discussion

Wind slabs built on wind sheltered easterly aspects from the 4.5 inches of snow which fell 3 days ago (3/19/23) have become stubborn from wind, time and warming temperatures. Watchout for isolated instabilities in steep ski and mountaineering terrain, especially where the snow has been sheltered from the wind.

Warming on south aspects has the potential to decrease stability of the recently formed slabs today. Watch for deep pockets of softer snow becoming wet as a sign that the snowpack is becoming less stable. Roller balls seen from a distance or easily making a snowball in your hand are red flags for a warming snowpack. 

In areas of softer snow, the possibility exists for small loose wet avalanches (sluffing) today.  These small, slow moving avalanches can pull you from your feet which could be dangerous in steep high consequential terrain. 

Despite LOW danger, no mountain environment is without risk. Continue to make deliberate and informed travel decisions. As always, if something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to back off and return another day.

 

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. 

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