Presidential Range

Snow surfaces near and above treeline are generally firm and unlikely to avalanche except for extremely isolated locations. Soft snow can be found below treeline, but it may lack a good supporting structure. Abrupt changes in steepness or consequential terrain traps are where you could find trouble traveling today.

Expect good snow stability for most of the mountain range. In isolated locations you could still find poor snowpack structure or stubborn slabs capable of avalanching. Natural avalanches are very unlikely, while human triggered avalanches are also unlikely but can not be completely ruled out. If an avalanche occurs it will remain small but have the ability to carry you. 

Since the beginning of the winter season we have seen very windy conditions and  below average snowfall. Slabs of wind hardened snow are scattered across the steep slopes with varying thickness and hardness. Over time and with favorable weather the wind slab avalanche problem has lost much of its sensitivity and we are left with a mix of wind-board and dense snow surfaces.

In some near and below treeline areas, our snowpack exhibits a structure more like that of a western snowpack with strong snow over weak at the base. The facets that have developed around crusts or near the base of the snowpack are good to keep in your memory for the next onslaught of snow and loading. With the irregularity of our snowpacks distribution you could still find an isolated location primed for creating a small avalanche.