Bollettino valanghe

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Mon
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 4 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

On firm and icy snow surfaces, triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. In steep areas with deeper and softer snow, triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person is likely. To identify more dangerous wind-drifted snow, look for steep areas in eastern ravines where the snow appears smooth and pillow-like. Travel on hard snow surfaces to avoid triggering an avalanche. Use extra caution in steep terrain, where falls are dangerous on a hard, slick snowpack with exposed rocks, ice, and trees below.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Large, 1 - 3 foot deep wind slabs exist on southeast-facing avalanche terrain in Tuckerman Ravine, and could also exist in other isolated areas. These softer and smoother slabs will look tempting to ski, but are likely to be sensitive to human-triggering. An avalanche triggered in one of these areas, such as the Lip or Sluice, would be large enough to bury and kill a person. 

    Continued winds likely contributed to increased stiffness of these slabs overnight, increasing their propagation potential, especially if penetrating one of the many thin spots around these areas. With a slippery, hard bed surface, warming temperatures, sun, and people accounting for the other factors at play, give this avalanche problem a healthy respect today.

    Avoiding this avalanche problem today is simple. Stick to firm, textured snow surfaces while also considering any hazards overhead.

Avalanche Discussion

Forecasters found surprisingly thick wind slabs on the southeast aspects of Tuckerman Ravine yesterday. This extent of wind slab formation seems to be isolated to Tuckerman Ravine, but it is possible to find similar conditions on similar aspects somewhere else in the forecast area. 

One of our big questions leading into the day is, how much warming will occur at the ravine level?  This factor has the potential to put even more stress on large wind slabs in Tuckerman Ravine, and also has the potential to warm the old snow surface enough to provide good quality skiing. Today will be a great test of any backcountry traveler's ability to make condition-based decisions to enjoy this beautiful day in the mountains. Think carefully about travel plans to account for the multiple variables in the mountains today.

Remember, other people climbing or skiing a certain slope is not an indication of stability or safety. Continue making your own thoughtful, slope-specific hazard assessments while considering consequences and risk tolerance. 

Long sliding falls are a real concern today. Preventing a dangerous long sliding fall on a steep frozen surface will require crampons, ice axes and the skills to use them. Move with deliberate caution on steep icy terrain. 

 

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.

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