Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Later this afternoon, you could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow. Pay attention to areas of soft snow in steep terrain that are deeper than the top of your boots. This snow could slide easily on top of the hard and icy snow surface. In most areas, an icy, hard snow surface has created the need for a mountaineering mindset and tools, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, to prevent a dangerous fall in steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:Later today and tonight, up to 6 inches of new snow being moved by an increasing wind is likely to create small wind slabs on east-facing and south-facing slopes above 3000 feet. 

    How can you recognize it: Watch for new snow being blown by the wind and forming slabs with a strong-over-weak structure. Dig into the new snow until you reach the icy old snow surface to get an understanding of slab depth and sensitivity. Plumes of snow blowing at the ridgelines and shooting cracks in the snow under your feet are obvious red flags of increasing avalanche danger.How can you manage it:Traveling in avalanche terrain late in the day or tonight will increase your risk of finding and triggering a new wind slab. Choose terrain carefully that limits your exposure to rocks, ice, and trees below.

Avalanche Discussion

In the morning, expect to find an icy and stable snowpack without an avalanche problem. Taking a fall in steep terrain on an icy snow surface is likely to be the most serious hazard throughout most of the day. In the afternoon, if snow totals reach the higher end of what is forecast, expect to find increasing wind slab avalanche hazard. Make consistent observations to understand how quickly the wind is building new wind slabs out of the new snow. Keep in mind that new snow is falling on a very hard and slick snow surface, which could make new slabs more sensitive to your weight. 

It’s worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. Snow holes, undermined snow, and icy slopes could be hidden by new snow today. 

  • Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Exposed rocks, trees, and ice could amplify the consequences of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no-fall zones.
  • Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
  • Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Check out our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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.

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