Backcountry Avalanche Forecast Presidential Range ** This product is expired and archived ** Issued Friday, January 22, 2021 - 7:11AM Expires Saturday, January 23, 2021 - 12:00AM Author Frank Carus THE BOTTOM LINE Light density snowfall, and wind that is prime for building slabs, continue to keep avalanche danger elevated. Heightened avalanche conditions continue in east facing ravines due to continued wind loading and light snow today. Large human triggered avalanches are possible in isolated areas, particularly in Tuckerman Ravine. Avalanche danger remains at MODERATE. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully though poor visibility will make this challenging. Shooting cracks and aprons of sluff near and below steep terrain are signals to seek out lower angled terrain for skiing and riding. Exposed ice crust creates a long sliding fall hazard in scoured areas. Tomorrow will bring the strongest wind in the previous 3 days, building much larger slabs with natural avalanches possible or more locations. The Lion Head Summer Trail remains the best option if climbing to the summit from Pinkham Notch. Be sure to check the slatboards for the trail status. Avalanche Forecast Avalanche Danger Friday, January 22, 2021 Upper Elevation Moderate (2) Middle Elevation Moderate (2) Lower Elevation Low (1) Avalanche Problem #1 Wind Slab N -> E -> S Upper Elevation Middle Elevation Likelihood: Possible Small (D1) to Large (D2) Wind slab avalanches are possible to trigger in east facing terrain. Look for smooth pillows of snow at the bases of steep pitches of ice or buttresses in addition to the sides of steep gullies. These slabs are thickest in places where terrain features or trees create a windbreak and also where snow and spindrift sluff off of steep cliffs or slabs of ice. These will be the thickest wind slabs and are the most likely location for a larger, more dangerous slab to be triggered. Avalanche Problem #2 Dry Loose All Aspects and Elevations Unlikely Small (D1) Loose dry snow will likely release easily. These point release avalanches are not likely to be much of a problem in our limited terrain but could add mass to a slope and may cause a wind slab to fracture and slide. Forecast Discussion The low density snow that has fallen over the past three days has been drifting into new wind slabs that are likely to be sensitive to a person climbing or skiing. In sheltered areas such as Chute, these slabs may be "wall to wall" across the gully with little chance to avoid travelling through the instability. These are not the hard and stubborn wind slabs we see after high wind events and will be more easily triggered as a result. Step down potential though the 1/16 ice crust remains uncertain but remains something to track as cold temperatures allow moisture from the crust to be cannibalized by high vapor pressure differentials. This ice crust is exposed or just below these wind slabs making long sliding falls possible and will make escape from an avalanche even more difficult. Higher elevation ski trails are snow covered with most but not all obstacles buried. Rocks remain a problem, particularly on the Gulf of Slides ski trail. Please Remember: Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel. Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast. For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.