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

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep slopes above 3000 feet. Watch out for snow drifts that are deeper than the top of your boots, cracking in the snow under your feet, and snow that struggles to stick to the icy old snow surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:Strong winds with 3 - 4 inches of new snow had the opportunity to build new wind slabs on steep snow slopes. The most likely place to find a large wind slab is on north-facing and east-facing slopes that are more sheltered from the wind. 

    How can you recognize it: Be cautious of new snow drifts that are deeper than the tops of your boots. Use your hand, a pole, or a shovel to dig down to the icy old snow surface to assess the thickness and sensitivity of new wind slabs. Plumes of snow blowing at the ridgelines, cracks in the snow under your feet, and a strong-over-weak snow structure are warning signs of a wind slab. How can you manage it:Make frequent snowpack observations and be cautious on steep slopes with deeper drifts. Traveling on the hard, old snow surface can help to avoid the risk of triggering a wind slab. Remember that snow lower in the terrain may not be representative of the snow above you, even in the same gully or terrain feature.

Avalanche Discussion

Expect wind slabs to be variable based on elevation, aspect, and the amount of shelter that specific terrain features provide from the wind. In some areas, you may find the exposed icy old snow surface and no new snow. In other areas that offer more protection from the wind, you could find new wind slabs that are over 1 foot thick and sensitive to your weight. 

Increasing winds overnight may have formed wind slabs that are strong-over-weak (or hard-over-soft) in character. These slabs are sitting on top of a very hard and slick old snow surface, which could increase your potential of triggering an avalanche. Remain vigilant with snowpack observations to help inform your decision-making if you choose to travel in avalanche terrain today. 

Carrying avalanche rescue gear, traveling with a partner, and making informed and strategic terrain choices can help you mitigate the risk of triggering and being caught in an avalanche. Crampons, ice axes, and helmets help to mitigate the risk of a dangerous fall on steep, icy snow slopes, which could be easy to find today.  

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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