Quick report
Widespread snowdrifts and wind slabs showing cracking and propagation were observed across multiple elevations and aspects on 1/27/26 during summit staff shift change via the Mount Washington Auto Road. Numerous small, cat-triggered slabs were observed on E, N, and NE aspects. Active snow transport was ongoing around 1:30pm, and areas previously traveled had re-drifted an estimated 30–35 cm of new snow within approximately one hour. This reloading was occurring across multiple aspects and elevations. At around 5,500 ft, areas exposed to overnight winds were heavily scoured, while large drifts were present in more sheltered terrain at upper elevations.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2
- Aspect
- NE
- Elevation
- 4450 ft
Avalanche was observed from the Mount Washington Auto Road during summit staff shift change. The exact time of occurrence and trigger are unknown. Based on the location of the slide, a natural release is considered the most likely trigger. Rough mapping , shown in the attached images, suggests the slide was approximately 550 feet wide, with an estimated area of about one acre. The avalanche is estimated to be around D2 in size, though this classification is uncertain due to the observation distance of just over one mile.