Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. You could trigger a small avalanche in extremely steep and wind-protected terrain above 3000 feet. Triggering a large avalanche today is unlikely but not impossible. If new snowfall becomes heavy and accumulations exceed a few inches, the avalanche danger is increasing. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:New wind slabs could develop during the day depending on the snowfall amount and rate of accumulation. If there is little or no snow accumulation, it will be hard to find a new, unstable wind slab. If snow accumulates consistently or heavily throughout the day, you could find and trigger a wind slab avalanche above 3000 feet on easterly aspects. 

    How can you recognize it: If you see new snow being blown by the wind and accumulating in wind-protected areas, shooting cracks from under your feet, or drifts of new snow deeper than your boot, you are seeing warning signs of a wind slab. Watch out for new, wind-drifted snow that struggles to stick to the hard, old snow surface. 

    How can you manage it:Identify warning signs of new wind slabs and travel strategically to minimize your exposure to the hazard. In addition to your own terrain decisions, watch out for the decisions of other people, who may be above you in avalanche terrain. Make routine observations throughout the day to better understand if the avalanche hazard is increasing.

Avalanche Discussion

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Today’s low rating is based on the low probability of receiving significant snow accumulation. The snowfall rate and total snow accumulation should be top-of-mind if you are moving in avalanche terrain today. Increased or heavy snowfall will increase the avalanche danger.

The overall snowpack in the forecast area varies significantly by elevation and terrain. Below 3,000 feet, the snowpack lacks sufficient depth and continuity to serve as a viable bed surface for avalanches. While many of the ravines contain some connected and developed snow-covered slopes, overall snowpack depth remains below average for late January. Tuckerman Ravine stands out as having the most developed avalanche paths, with more substantial snow accumulation compared to other areas.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.

Regions covered