Presidential Range

While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, LOW avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Lookout for thin areas of wind-drifted snow on east-facing terrain above 4000 ft; these will appear smooth, bright white, and softer than the surrounding hard snow. If you encounter smooth, older hard snow surfaces that feel or sound hollow, dig down to investigate the snowpack. 

Traveling on firm, textured, and wind-hardened snow surfaces will limit your exposure to potential avalanches today.

The snowpack in most areas is generally stable, but remember that LOW avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Use normal caution while traveling in avalanche terrain and make observations throughout the day to inform your decision-making. Two hazards to keep in mind are thin new wind slabs and old hard slabs. While the older slabs have been unreactive, they have poor structure and should not be fully out of mind.

New Wind Slabs: Thin new wind slabs may have formed in easterly terrain from moderate northwest winds and 1.2 inches of snowfall yesterday. These slabs are likely to be small, as the snow was low-density and there is a limited amount of snow available for transport. These will be easily identifiable as smooth, bright white areas of softer, drifted snow.

The primary concern with new wind slabs is the potential for causing a fall in steep terrain, as the new snow may take time to bond to the old, firm snow surface. As you approach terrain, look for new slabs in eastern terrain features above 4000 ft. If you encounter drifted snow, assess the interface using hand shears.

Old Hard Slabs: Old, lingering slabs in steep, easterly ravines are mostly wind-hardened and unreactive. The combination of time and mild temperatures has likely promoted settlement. While poor snowpack structure has been found in some areas, the hardness of the snowpack is likely preventing a person’s weight from impacting weak layers below.

While unlikely, it is still possible to find a thin spot in the snowpack and trigger an old hard slab. This is most likely in the steepest terrain where convexities or unsupported slopes exist. Continue to visually assess hard old slabs and dig down to assess the interface if you find hollow-sounding snow.

Low Elevation: If you are traveling in avalanche terrain at lower elevations (below 3,000 feet), remember that avalanches can still occur in isolated areas where there is enough snow on a slope to slide. There is currently limited terrain in Crawford Notch and other low-elevation areas capable of producing an avalanche. However, if you seek out the biggest, most developed snow slopes in this terrain, avalanches remain a possibility.

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.