Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche is possible on slopes where the wind has formed drifts on steep snow slopes. Reduce your chance of triggering an avalanche by traveling on wind-scoured surfaces or very firm snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent snow and strong winds have created wind slabs at middle and upper elevations. In areas exposed to the wind these slabs will be stubborn or even scoured to the hard bed surface. In more wind sheltered areas, the slabs are likely to have retained the structure needed to propagate and fail as a slab avalanche. The largest wind slabs will be found in east facing ravines at middle and upper elevations. Observers yesterday noted large slabs formed higher up in the start zones of south and southeast facing avalanche paths including the south facing gullies of Tuckerman Ravine. 

    In the last 48 hours, the snow surface has been affected by strong wind loading snow, wind scouring snow and also sun warming south aspects. What remains is a highly variable snowpack which will feel and act differently by aspect and elevation. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and continually in avalanche terrain today to eliminate the chance for surprises.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Recent snow will warm today with temperatures above freezing. Warm wet snow has the capability to become unstable and may slide under your feet. These slow moving avalanches can be surprisingly powerful from the weight of the snow. Be mindful of terrain traps and consequential falls if pulled from your feet by moving snow.

    The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

    OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

Avalanche Discussion

The forecast team this morning was in agreement that today’s Moderate hazard rating was the most accurate given what we currently know. “Scary Moderate” was also used to describe the rating in east facing ravines, particularly on south aspects. Large wind slabs exist which appear to have evaded the recent strong winds. While the sun yesterday may have promoted stability on these large slabs, triggering one could result in a dangerous, destructive avalanche.

Regions covered