Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Hard, re-frozen snow is widespread across avalanche terrain today. Watch out for small areas of new wind-drifted snow in wind-sheltered locations on east-facing and south-facing aspects. Mountaineering skills and equipment are needed for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. In current conditions, a long-sliding-fall may be impossible to self arrest (stop) and can have deadly consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small wind slabs may have the ability to form in wind-sheltered locations on lee aspects today. If snow totals reach up to 3 inches (the higher end of the forecasted totals), it will be possible to find deeper wind slabs today. On the other hand, lower snow amounts may only produce shallow areas of “wind skin” on top of the newly refrozen snow surface. Avoid this avalanche problem today by traveling on hard, frozen snow surfaces.

Avalanche Discussion

The temperature at Hermit Lake has once again dropped below the freezing mark after 3 and a half days of above freezing temperatures. Higher elevations fluctuated above and below 32 degrees F during this same period, but were also subject to significant warming. In that same period, the Mount Washington Summit reported 0.69 inches of liquid precipitation. Free water moved deep into the snowpack on all aspects and elevations during this period and the current and future temperatures will continue the refreeze process. Expect snow surfaces in avalanche terrain to be hard, stable, and very slick. A slip, fall, or loss of balance can be devastating in these conditions in steep and exposed terrain.

There is a potential for small wind slabs to develop through this evening due to an upslope snow effect in the Presidential Range. Up to 2 inches of snow is forecast for the rest of today with the potential for another inch tonight. If the range sees the higher end of this snow forecast, small wind slabs may have the ability to form in very sheltered areas on easterly and southerly aspects. Look out for these drifts, as even a small avalanche in current conditions could be enough to start an uncontrollable long fall. 

Thanks to everyone for taking the 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.

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