Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep slopes that face west, south, and east. Watch out for snow drifts that are stiff on the surface, but are soft underneath and slide easily on a hard layer of snow below. Shooting cracks in the snow under your feet and snow blowing at the ridgelines are signs of a potentially dangerous avalanche problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: New wind slabs from shifting winds and recent snow will be variable in size and distribution, and may be sensitive to your weight. You are most likely to encounter a new, sensitive wind slab on east-facing and south-facing aspects above 3000 feet in elevation and near terrain features that have provided shelter from strong, shifting winds. Don’t discount the possibility of finding a small wind slab on west-facing aspects in wind-protected terrain features.  

    How can you recognize it: Look for obvious signs of an unstable snowpack, including snow blowing at the ridgelines, deep snow drifts, and shooting cracks under your feet. Digging in the snow with your hand, a pole, or a shovel could reveal a hard-over-soft snow structure that may slide easily on a firm layer of snow below. How can you manage it:Make observations to identify deep drifts of snow that have formed in steep, sheltered terrain. If you find drifts that are deeper than the top of your boots, stop to make careful assessments of that snow and consider an alternate route that avoids deep drifts of new snow.

Avalanche Discussion

A passing Nor’easter has brought 2 - 4 inches of new snow along with shifting, dynamic winds that have moved around multiple aspects of the compass rose. Given the characteristics of this passing storm, expect snowpack conditions that are highly variable based on your aspect, elevation, and location in the terrain. Due to the many changing variables of this recent storm, it is worth noting that there are uncertainties around the size, distribution, and sensitivity of today’s avalanche problem.The most likely place to find a dangerous wind slab today is on steep east-facing and south-facing slopes above 3000 feet after driving northwest winds have had the opportunity to redistribute recent snow. Examples of these areas include steep slopes in Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, and Huntington Ravine.On west-facing aspects, it is still possible to find isolated areas of unstable snow after several hours of east and northeast winds yesterday. Pay close attention to narrow gullies and other terrain features that provide protection from the wind. 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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