Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely with a generally stable snowpack. Watch out for dangerous springtime mountain hazards which include falling ice, deep holes in the snowpack, undermined snow, and open water. Careful route planning, keen observations, and thoughtful travel techniques can help to manage today’s hazards. 

The current spring snowpack is mostly stable with the exception of areas of loose, non-cohesive surface snow that may slide easily today in steep terrain.

4/10 Oaks Gulf Observation, 4/11 Huntington Ravine Observation

A uniform temperature gradient (isothermal snowpack) is now likely the dominant condition at middle (ravine) elevations, effectively preventing the development of weak-snow layers within the snowpack. Moving forward, avalanche concerns are now limited to wet avalanches due to loss of strength from melting or new surface snow from spring storms.

Persistent warm temperatures will amplify melting snow and the development of springtime mountain hazards. These hazards include falling ice, deep holes in the snowpack, open water, and undermined snow. All these have a long history of injuries and fatalities. Use careful route finding and make keen observations to limit your exposure and avoid these hazards. 

Softening snow surfaces are a product of warm ambient air temperatures and sun exposure. Snow surface conditions will continue to be dynamic based on the time of day and the amount of sun, shade, and wind that a slope is exposed to. Careful timing can help reduce your risk of long, dangerous falls on an icy snow surface. 

Due to lack of snow and significant melting in the forecast, we have stopped forecasting for the low elevation band (below 3000 feet in elevation). Continue to use general caution in these areas and make slope-specific assessments of mountain hazards. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.