Presidential Range

Generally stable conditions exist, avalanches are unlikely.The greater concern is springtime mountain hazards, including sliding falls, open holes, and undermined snow. Identify and avoid these hazards as you travel.

Expect to find a mostly stable snowpack across the Presidential Range today. Over the past two weeks, several periods of above-freezing temperatures, rain, free water moving through the snowpack, and time have continued to push the snowpack away from winter structure and toward more mature spring conditions. The last measurable snow accumulation in the ravines was March 26.

Wet snow avalanches are possible during this transition, as meltwater moving through the snowpack may still produce an avalanche. A  wet snow avalanche is unlikely today, but not impossible. Wet snow avalanches can be unpredictable, so continue to use safe avalanche travel techniques and carry avalanche rescue gear.

It might be worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. 

• Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Previous warming and fog have eaten away at the snowpack, exposing rocks and trees that could amplify the consequence of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no fall zones.
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Check out our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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MWAC’s 2026 Spring Fundraiser is live. The snow may be melting on Mount Washington, but the work of keeping people informed, prepared, and safer in the mountains continues year-round. Your support helps make that work possible for next season and beyond.Managing Human Factors Survey. Human factors play a major role in backcountry decision-making. Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete.