Bollettino valanghe

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Mon
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

You could trigger an avalanche on very steep terrain above 3000 feet in elevation that faces east or south. Watch out for deep drifts of snow that have not been hardened or textured by high winds. Pay attention to a warming snowpack, which could add stress to these areas of deeper snow drifts, and could increase the chances of triggering an avalanche.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    What and where is it: In steep terrain that did not avalanche during the Christmas avalanche cycle, old wind slabs sitting on top of the December 19th rain crust continue to show a potential to avalanche. While this problem cannot be found everywhere, the most likely place to find a dangerous old wind slab is between 3000 and 5000 feet on east-facing and south-facing aspects. Increasing temperatures will help stabilize this problem in the long term - but in the short term, warm temperatures could add stress to the top of the snowpack and could increase the chances of triggering an avalanche.How can you recognize it: Look for areas of smooth, softer, and deeper snow in contrast to textured, hard, old snow surfaces. In a safe area, you can dig down to the old rain crust or weaker layers in the old wind slab to assess the sensitivity and potential for instability with column or shear tests. Pay close attention to rising temperatures, especially if they rise above freezing. How can you manage it: Avoiding concerning areas of softer drifted snow may be easy by choosing to travel on the textured and wind-hardened snow surface. Always consider any hazard that exists above you including the presence of other people in the terrain, whose actions you cannot control.

Avalanche Discussion

After a significant natural avalanche cycle over the Christmas holiday, the potential for triggering an avalanche on steep south-facing and east-facing slopes still exists. In some areas, buried layers of weak snow above the December 19th rain crust still present an avalanche concern. While it may be hard for your weight to affect this layer due to its depth or the hardness of the snow near the surface, a couple of factors could contribute to triggering an avalanche today. Thin spots in recent wind slabs:  Finding a thin spot in the slab where the slab depth tapers off near exposed rocks or ice would make it easier for your weight to affect weaker snow underneath the surface. In many cases it can be challenging or impossible to know where these spots are since they are hidden underneath the snow surface. Remember that ski traffic is not necessarily a sign that a slope is stable or safe. 

Warming temperatures: While it's expected that warming temperatures will ultimately contribute to snowpack stability, in the short term, this could add stress to an area of snow that was previously cold and dry. Look out for temperatures that rise above freezing today and factor this into your decision making. 

In any case, it's important to stay observant in avalanche terrain today and use your own observations to make decisions about where, how, and when to travel in the terrain. 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.

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