Wind slabs in steep terrain should remain on your radar today. Older, stubborn and large slabs plus newer but smaller wind slabs are the main avalanche concern and earn a LOW danger rating. Both wind slabs are stubborn to a human trigger, but some exceptions may exist in the form of softer pockets. All of these slabs are resting on a smooth ice crust on which the last avalanche cycle occurred. If you brave the frigid and windy weather, bring your avalanche rescue gear along with crampons and an ice axe.
Come to a free avalanche awareness presentation at the LL Bean store in Freeport tonight, 7-8:30pm. Frank will be presenting a Know Before You Go program followed by information on the new forecast area with time for a Q&A session.
Come to a free avalanche awareness presentation at the LL Bean store in Freeport tonight, 7-8:30pm. Frank will be presenting a Know Before You Go program followed by information on the new forecast area with time for a Q&A session.
Danger Rating by Zone
This website is provided through a partnership between the White Mountain National Forest and the White Mountain Avalanche Education Foundation. The avalanche forecast applies only to backcountry areas, not operating ski areas, and describes general avalanche conditions which vary locally. The avalanche information provided is the sole responsibility of the USDA Forest Service.
Avalanche Center operations
/in News /by Frank CarusThe USDA Forest Service avalanche centers are continuing to operate despite the partial government shutdown because of the critical public safety information they provide. Additionally, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center will continue to be on call as lead agency in command of search and rescue efforts in the Cutler River Drainage (the east side of […]
Early winter in the high country
/in News /by Frank CarusWinter came early this year with almost 110” of snow on the summit before December rolled around. Skiers and riders enjoyed the deep soft snow, while warmer temperatures at lower elevations didn’t keep ice climbers happy. Typically, climbers can find an early season fix on ice in Tuckerman and Huntington but all the new snow made for particularly unenjoyable postholing to reach climbing objectives.