General Avalanche Information
Presidential Range
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Issued Sunday, December 5, 2021 - 9:55AM
Expires Sunday, December 12, 2021 - 12:00AM
Author Ryan Lewthwaite

THE BOTTOM LINE

Incoming warm weather, wet precipitation, and strong southwest winds will elevate the threat of avalanches in steep terrain. New and shallow layers of wind deposited snow can be found on the middle and lower slopes of many ski runs. These unstable pockets of new snow can cause avalanches that could pull you into undesirable terrain riddled with rocks and vegetation. With Monday’s mixed precipitation, anticipate the avalanche danger to increase as snow accumulates on top of refrozen surfaces.

Avalanche Information

Forecast Discussion

Since the beginning of December, Mount Washington’s summit has gained 1-3 inches of new snow each day. Strong and gale force winds, topping out around 120mph, have flushed-out most of the new snow depositing it much lower on the slopes. While mid-storm rains have capped many exposed surfaces with a veil of ice that can easily be penetrated. Slabs of wind-drifted snow can be found in areas where calmer winds have allowed it to settle into steep and confining terrain features. 

So far the wind deposited snow hasn’t covered a large enough area across the slopes to warrant larger avalanches, but even small avalanches can be troublesome during this part of the season. The higher portions of Tuckerman’s Ravine, where winds have been the strongest, have a dimpled snow surface with a golf ball like appearance from scouring winds pulling up layers of old snow. Conversely the lower half of Left Gully, Chute, and Center Headwall are filling in with wind battered snow that may produce shallow avalanches. These areas are precisely where the majority of ski and snowboard traffic has been recreating.

In Huntington and the northeast portions of Tuckerman’s Ravine, ice climbers have been enjoying growing columns and bulges of water ice. Single digit temperatures and sunshine yesterday promoted great climbing conditions and groups of climbers could be seen in Center Headwall, Open Book, and Pinnacle Gully. Negotiating the lower approaches and fans before you reach the climbs is arduous due to thin and sparsely covered rocks. There is still plenty of free-water moving down the slopes and it can be heard through the ice near the ground.

Another warm storm is slated to arrive late Sunday night with increasingly strong winds from the south and southwest. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wetting rain are all on the menu, accompanied by our main course of ravaging winds potentially reaching near 100mph by Monday morning. South and southwest winds will change the pattern of snow loading the slopes, creating pockets of unstable snow in new locations. Freezing rain on the highest summits is possible and 40F degrees could be seen in the ravines. Adjust your plans accordingly, the mountain will always be there for another day when conditions are proper.

This bulletin will be updated when conditions change substantially. Daily, (5 scale) Avalanche Forecasts will begin when the snowpack grows more connected across the terrain. Please remember that avalanches can occur before an avalanche forecast is issued. 

Ski & Snowboarding: There is a unique approach to skiing and snowboarding on the steep east facing slopes of Mount Washington and it begins with preparedness. Taking an avalanche awareness class, having the proper rescue equipment, and enjoying time with skilled partners is a great start to a successful day. Just as important is understanding the current weather and avalanche conditions and adjusting your plan to meet the variables of the mountain. Icy surfaces, exposed rocks, and uncontrollable falls should be accounted for in your daily trip plan.  

Hiking: The Tuckerman Ravine and Huntington Ravine trails are challenging climbs with significant avalanche and mountaineering hazards during winter. Both have been the scene of serious accidents where travelers pass through the steepest terrain of these Ravines. The summer Lion Head Trail remains the safer choice for accessing the summit of Mount Washington from the east. As more snow falls and avalanche paths grow on the summer trail the Lion Head Winter trail will become the preferred route to the summit. An ice axe and crampons are currently needed at treeline and above.

Climbing: Alpine ice climbs are somewhat “in”, though they remain thin and difficult to protect in places. The small snowfields between ice pitches have caused quite a few accidents over the years, some of which were fatal. After the ice the snow climbs easy, but remember to protect yourself and your partner between the pitches of ice. Inherently mixed alpine climbing puts you beneath unstable snow on steep terrain, please consider wearing your avalanche beacon.

Observations: Share what you see this season. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs the community, and improves our avalanche forecast. We may not respond, but we read and appreciate every single observation.