MWAC Launches Snow & Avalanche Observation Zones

The Mount Washington Avalanche Center (MWAC) is excited to announce a major enhancement to our observation platform: the introduction of Observation Zones. This new feature improves the submission, organization, and accessibility of avalanche and snowpack observations across a broader geographic area.


Why Observation Zones?

Improve Accessibility: Users can quickly locate and interpret snowpack and avalanche observations for specific regions, particularly in areas without dedicated avalanche forecasts. This supports safer travel and decision-making for backcountry users.

Expand Data Collection: By encouraging observations from outside the Presidential Range Forecast Area, MWAC gains valuable insights into snowpack conditions in adjacent areas, where data has traditionally been sparse. This additional information strengthens forecasting capabilities and increases regional awareness.

Foster Community Collaboration: The expanded zones empower skiers, mountaineers, and other backcountry travelers to contribute their observations, creating a more informed and connected community of avalanche enthusiasts and professionals.

Support Critical Areas Without Forecasts: In areas without an avalanche forecast, such as Katahdin or sections of Vermont, shared observations provide essential information to fill gaps and enhance overall safety for recreationists.


The Zones:
Below is a description of the newly established zones:

  • Presidential Range Forecast Area
    Size: 106 square miles
    Description: This area remains unchanged and includes the terrain MWAC traditionally forecasts, spanning from Gorham to Crawford Notch (north to south) and from Pinkham Notch to Caps Ridge (east to west).
  • White Mountains West
    Size: 225 square miles
    Description: This zone includes key areas such as Moosilauke, Franconia Notch, Zealand Notch, and the northern section of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
  • White Mountains South
    Size: 301 square miles
    Description: Covering the southern Pemigewasset Wilderness, the southern section of the Dry River Wilderness, the Sandwich Range Wilderness, Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge, and the Kancamagus Highway, this zone encompasses highly trafficked backcountry terrain.
  • White Mountains East
    Size: 233 square miles
    Description: Includes the Green Hills Preserve in Conway, Doublehead and Black Mountain in Jackson, the Wild River Wilderness, Baldface, the Carter-Moriah Range, and Evans Notch.
  • Mahoosucs / Grafton Notch
    Size: 260 square miles
    Description: This zone spans the Sunday River area, Grafton Notch, and Whitecap Mountain, providing a vital hub for data collection in the Mahoosuc Range.


Vermont Zones
In addition to the White Mountain regions, we are excited to extend this platform to significant areas of Vermont, allowing for better data sharing and coverage.

  • Vermont North
    Size: 972 square miles
    Description: Includes Bolton Valley, Stowe, Mount Mansfield, Smuggler’s Notch, and Jay Peak.
  • Vermont South
    Size: 2,285 square miles
    Description: Encompasses Camel’s Hump, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Killington, and Bromley.


Baxter State Park Zone

  • Katahdin / Baxter State Park
    Size: 340 square miles
    Description: This zone covers the entirety of Baxter State Park, including Katahdin. Regular avalanche conditions occur throughout the winter in this remote area, which lacks a dedicated forecast. Supporting observations here fills a critical information gap for this popular yet isolated region.


How to Use the Observation Zones
Submit Observations: When submitting an observation using the website or the new Avy app, simply select the zone where it occurred. This ensures data is properly organized and easy for others to find.
Search for Data: Use the zones to filter and view snowpack and avalanche observations in the areas you’re planning to visit.
Contribute Regularly: Whether you’re a recreational user or a professional guide, your data helps paint a more complete picture of regional avalanche conditions.

Moving Forward
This new feature represents MWAC’s ongoing commitment to providing the tools and resources needed for safe and informed travel in avalanche terrain. By expanding our observations platform to include Observation Zones, we aim to empower the backcountry community with better information and encourage greater collaboration.

Thank you for being part of this initiative to enhance avalanche safety and snowpack understanding across the Northeast. Thanks to the National Avalanche Center for continuing to innovate on solutions for snow & avalanche information sharing.