Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

As the day warms up, the chance of triggering an avalanche increases, particularly on steep slopes that face the sun. Human-triggered wet avalanches are possible anywhere you encounter wet, sloppy snow. Minimize your risk by starting early and leaving before it gets too warm.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing today, accompanied by intense April sunshine. This warmth will cause the surface snow to melt, increasing the likelihood of wet slab and wet snow avalanches on all slopes above 3,000 feet in elevation. The greatest concern for larger avalanches lies in recently drifted snow on southerly aspects, however most snow surfaces in steep terrain will have the potential to slide once surface snow gets sloppy wet. 

    In the afternoon, with the sun still high in the sky, and hours of warm air temperatures, the western half of the forecast area is likely to see significant warming with the potential for water to penetrate deeper into the snow pack. The chance for triggering an older, larger wind slab exists. Use extra caution near terrain traps, like narrow or deep gullies, where depth of avalanche debris is concentrated to a single, deep area.

    Rollerballs, pinwheels, or trees shedding snow indicate that surfaces are becoming wet and the snowpack is losing stability. Look for more shaded aspects once you start noticing these signs or better yet, minimize your risk by starting early and leaving before it gets too warm. 

    (4/7/2024) Cornice and wind loaded slopes on the lion head ridge Photo: Rob Benton

Avalanche Discussion

The concern for today’s wet snow avalanche problems is based on the 22 inches of snow at middle and upper elevations which fell over the last four days. This snow has been impacted and transported by strong winds, and strong solar radiation yesterday worked to help settle the more recent slabs on south aspects. 

Today is the first day of warm temperatures on all aspects at both middle and upper elevations. Be constantly mindful of the rising temperatures. 

Wet snow problems to keep on your radar for today: 

Wet Slabs: Yesterday’s wind slabs will become today’s wet slabs once temperatures heat up and surface snow melts. The thinner slabs formed from the recent snow likely lack the structure to slide as a slab, however the larger, thicker pockets of wind slab found near south facing ridgelines have the potential to break free as a slab, and be large enough to bury a person. Slabs with remaining structure to slide can be found on many aspects today. Be weary of areas holding deep drifted snow.

Wet Loose: Areas of deep snow that lack significant structure are very likely to slide today, especially on south aspects. Look for these to release as a pile of wet unconsolidated snow. Wet loose avalanches can be very destructive due to the weight of the wet, saturated snow. South facing aspects are where you would expect to find these early in the day, but then on any aspect once temperatures rise. Remember that the weight of a Wet Loose avalanche has the potential to trigger a larger, deeper avalanche below. 

Wind Slabs: Early in the day, before temperatures rise, recently formed slabs of dry snow exist which have the potential to slide from the weight of a human. Investigate areas of deep dry snow carefully. 

With nice weather and a possibility for human-triggered avalanches, consider not only the snowpack, but the consequences of people above you and below you in the terrain.

 

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. 

Help avalanche researchers! The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University, and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research are researching how skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, ice climbers, and anyone else who travels in the backcountry interpret avalanche forecast information. Completing this survey will take approximately 20 minutes. Thank you!

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