Presidential Range

Watch out for undermined snow, deep snow holes, falling rocks, and refrozen, hard snow surfaces until all the snow is gone. Review the list of spring hazards in the forecast discussion and keep these in mind as you plan your day. 

A section of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail through The Lip Area is CLOSED to all use until the route is snow-free. This section extends from Lunch Rocks to the top of the Headwall where it meets the Alpine Garden Trail. Only this section of the trail is closed. This annual closure is due to the magnitude of the crevasses and undermining, along with the severe consequences of a fall in this area. (36 CFR 261.55(a))This is the final advisory of the season. 

Expect warm conditions over the next several weeks to accelerate snowmelt. Read the Higher Summits Forecast and use your own observations to make informed terrain choices that minimize your exposure to springtime mountain hazards.

You can manage your risk and exposure to the following spring hazards by choosing when, where, and how you travel:

• Snow holes & glide cracks: These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. Look out for horizontal cracks in the snow and open holes around steep cliff bands. Give these areas a wide margin when traveling around them, and remember that these holes become bigger and more dangerous each day. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting.
• Icefall and rockfall: Over the years many people have been severely injured or killed by falling ice in Tuckerman Ravine. Periods of warm temperatures, intense sunshine, and rain can increase the risk of falling ice or rock. Look out for sections of ice that are looming above you and minimize your time underneath. Avoid spending time in high risk areas like Lunch Rocks or on the floor of Tuckerman Ravine in the fall line of ice above. 
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack erodes away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Refrozen snow surfaces: Icy, hard snow creates a high-risk scenario for anyone traveling in steep terrain. A mountaineering mindset and tools, including crampons, ice axes, and helmet, are necessary to prevent a dangerous fall in steep terrain. Elevation-specific temperatures, cloud-cover, night/day temperature fluctuations, and wind could cause rapid refreezing of snow surfaces. These conditions can occur fast and could cause uncontrollable falls in steep terrain, which have the highest winter fatality rate within the forecast area. 
• Other people: Sunny, warm spring days draw crowds of skiers to ravines. Remain mindful of where and how other people are traveling around you.

You can read more about springtime mountain hazards here.

MWAC’s 2026 Spring Fundraiser is live. The snow may be melting on Mount Washington, but the work of keeping people informed, prepared, and safer in the mountains continues year-round. Your support helps make that work possible for next season and beyond.