Presidential Range

Watch for new snow today drifting into slabs large enough to be triggered by a human. Weather factors needed for accumulating and drifting snow may not occur until the afternoon, or more likely after dark. The northern end of the forecast area may see higher snow totals, increasing avalanche danger earlier in the day, with larger drifts of snow.  Temperature and timing are important factors determining avalanche hazard today, and either can shift one way or the other. 

The summer Lionhead Trail is open for travel, and may have a drifted snow avalanche problem developing today and tonight. Watch for deep new snow on the traverse, and be prepared to either manage the problem safely, or turn back. The winter trail may be a safer option for the next day or two.

Regulations on Federal public lands supersede state mandates regarding protection from the coronavirus and it’s variants. These regulations require the use of a face mask when social distancing is not possible. Please plan to wear a mask in busy areas like the deck and courtyard at Hermit Lake and the floor of Tuckerman Ravine on a busy day.

Skiing below crossover 5 is poor due to lack of snow, mud and rocks. Cross to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and walk down when necessary to avoid damaging the ski trail. For safety reasons, please do not ski on the Tuckerman Ravine hiking trail.

Uncertainty exists around the conditions necessary for creating large wind slabs overnight.  Snow totals and wind late in the day today are such that we would likely rise from Moderate avalanche danger to Considerable avalanche danger overnight if it were January and had a fully developed snowpack in the Alpine Garden and west side of the range. Currently, there’s little snow in our usual “fetch” used to create large wind slabs in the eastern ravines which may limit how much snow is available for wind transport at the tail end of this storm. This is similar to what we often see in early season storms where new snow will be trapped behind rocks and bushes limiting development of wind slabs. After a few storms, the surface becomes smooth and much more snow is available to be picked up by winds and deposited into wind slabs. If snow totals and temperature plays out as forecast, it is certain that we’ll see some drifting into the east facing ravines late in the day and overnight, keeping the avalanche hazard rating at least Moderate. 

The typical spring hazards emerged in recent weeks and should remain a player in your travel plans. New snow may bridge over some of the hazards which include: 

• Moats and other deep melt holes 
• Waterfall holes 
• Open streams and undermined snow 
• Glide cracks 
• Falling ice and rock

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Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

The Harvard Cabin is now closed for the season. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

• Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
• Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.