Presidential Range

While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, it is not out of the question. Look for blowing snow as a sign that you could encounter unstable snow and pay attention to areas of smooth, softer snow. Continue to use general caution when traveling on steep, snow-covered slopes and make ongoing observations of the snow surface to inform your decision-making. 

Across the Presidential Range, the snowpack has generally been observed to be stable. However, you are likely to encounter variable snow surface conditions that you should assess, from wind slabs to wind-hardened surfaces to thin solar crusts. 

Wind Slabs:

An ongoing conversation is how much snow is available for transport on the west side, as higher snow totals have been found from upslope enhancement. The increase in northwest wind speeds overnight may be able to pull snow from lower in the terrain and redistribute it into east-facing ravines. While this theory has been discussed and forecasted for recently, it has not panned out. 

An interesting note from the Mount Washington Observatory’s F6: “17th precipitation and snowfall estimated at one collection due to unrealistically high amounts in can from blowing snow”. While this does indicate that more snow is moving, there is a lack of precision on the amount. With this uncertainty, you will need to make active assessments today. 

Look for blowing snow at ridgelines as a sign that wind slabs may be developing. Snow collecting and drifted snow will also be signs as you move through the terrain. Assess any area of softer snow by digging down to the hard old snow interface and use hand shears or column tests to assess. Shooting cracks may be another sign. Due to the predominant northwest winds, look out for new wind slabs in sheltered terrain features above 3000 ft in east and south-facing terrain. 

Variable Snow Surfaces:

If you are not encountering new wind slabs, another hazard may be just variable snow surface conditions. Solar aspects may have a thin sun crust from previous warming. Extreme winds may have hardened snow surface conditions to the point where it is just edgeable. The winds may have also sculpted softer snow into textured wavey ripples called sastrugi. Each of these should be identifiable with good visibility. You should account for changes as they can make travel more challenging and could cause a fall in steep terrain.    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.