Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday’s warm and saturated snowpack has frozen firm and icy with a small amount of new snow barely covering the surface. Small wind drifted slabs that formed overnight could be found on east-facing aspects in isolated locations of the middle elevations. Falling uncontrollably on this impenetrable icy surface could result in high speed trauma.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A half inch of new snow fell on the summit of Mount Washington overnight with strong northwest winds. Low density snow showers were wildly blown around and settled into isolated areas on the middle elevation slopes. Small slabs have formed in east-facing locations on top of the refrozen snowpack following yesterday's spike in warm temperatures. It is likely that these newly formed slabs are stubborn to human triggering in most places, due to previously thawed surfaces and over 100mph winds.

Avalanche Discussion

Over 1.0 inch of rain fell during the recent warm precipitation event that ended yesterday morning. A sizable portion of the snowpack had receded back to near December conditions leaving behind exposed vegetation and cascading waterfalls. The sun and warmth we enjoyed yesterday afternoon has rapidly transitioned to a low-tide and barren coral-reef like landscape. Water-ice has reemerged from beneath the snowpack and the surface snow conditions are a dust on crust scenario.

On a positive note, the snowpack has become homogeneous and the potential for large wet slab avalanches has subsided. In most cases the new snow that fell overnight has settled on a warm and moist surface allowing for good bonding of the new slabs. In other locations the new snow has either been blown from the exposed slopes or been absorbed by the warmer surfaces.

Some areas in the Cutler River Basin have experienced dramatic blow-outs and undermining of the snowpack, such as Hillman’s Highway. A sizable portion of the ski run has washed away in a mid-section of the narrow corridor from copious amounts of runoff being dammed by the snowpack. Rivers swelled overnight and water ran over the snow in many places leaving behind mud on top or gorges to scramble around. Large ominous cracks have formed through the snowpack, especially below the Lip. Originating around rocks, horizontal fissures have segments the creeping snowpack and created serious obstacles in converging ski terrain. Avoid these places or they may swallow you up or your skis.

Thanks to everyone who has taken time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered