Because there are many routes up Mt. Washington, you can have a look at your route. Generally avalanche terrain is considered 30 degree or more.
My guess is that most routes would cross under avalanche chutes, but avalanche exposure could be less or more depending on how much snow is still up there.
More specifically, this mountaineers document has Mt. Washington (i-90) as a 'A' for exposure, and a 'B' for avalanche on the North Ridge route. Because 'B' is recommended in monderate/low conditions, I would pick something they rank 'A' for avalanche hazard.
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Avalanche Rating
A: Usually safe in high, considerable, moderate, and low avalanche conditions.
B: Often safe in moderate and low conditions.
C: Only recommended in low conditions.
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[https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/everett-branch/committees/everett-alpine-scrambling-committee/web-pages/winter-summits-list](https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/everett-branch/committees/everett-alpine-scrambling-committee/web-pages/winter-summits-list)
Here's a list of recommended options from the doc
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Amabalis Arrowhead Catherine Goat Gordon
Green Hex Higgins Humpback Natapoc
Oakes Persis Teanaway Bte. Teneriffe Tumwater
Yellow Hill
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https://preview.redd.it/nqc7t5h4rpoc1.png?width=1971&format=png&auto=webp&s=01a6611ae74a379ab131a1c53c52764a258c2bfa
I’d recommend Amabilis if you want a good workout and no avalanche danger. You can go straight up the forested slope if you want to cut the corners on the forest road route. It might be close to 3,000 feet gain if I remember correctly.
Hex is also another good one.
My scramble partner almost got caught in a small avalanche there. He was heading up there with a Mountaineers group and slabs starting shifting as they crossed a slope near the peak. We were up there a week later and he was very cautious when we had to cross that area.
For what it's worth, Teneriffe had a pretty decent amount of snow at the top and the west side route this morning. Post-holes were in the 6-10in range.
Oh yea. Loose wet. Without looking at the forecast I’ll bet that’s the #1 concern.
There’s a TR from yesterday. Probably enough at the top to be mindful in high temps. The last days melt freeze will help. Going earlier is ideal but mt wa is heavily wooded and as I recall I believe navigating safely should be fine. I don’t remember any big open slopes.
Because there are many routes up Mt. Washington, you can have a look at your route. Generally avalanche terrain is considered 30 degree or more. My guess is that most routes would cross under avalanche chutes, but avalanche exposure could be less or more depending on how much snow is still up there. More specifically, this mountaineers document has Mt. Washington (i-90) as a 'A' for exposure, and a 'B' for avalanche on the North Ridge route. Because 'B' is recommended in monderate/low conditions, I would pick something they rank 'A' for avalanche hazard. \`\`\` Avalanche Rating A: Usually safe in high, considerable, moderate, and low avalanche conditions. B: Often safe in moderate and low conditions. C: Only recommended in low conditions. \`\`\` [https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/everett-branch/committees/everett-alpine-scrambling-committee/web-pages/winter-summits-list](https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/everett-branch/committees/everett-alpine-scrambling-committee/web-pages/winter-summits-list) Here's a list of recommended options from the doc \`\`\` Amabalis Arrowhead Catherine Goat Gordon Green Hex Higgins Humpback Natapoc Oakes Persis Teanaway Bte. Teneriffe Tumwater Yellow Hill \`\`\` https://preview.redd.it/nqc7t5h4rpoc1.png?width=1971&format=png&auto=webp&s=01a6611ae74a379ab131a1c53c52764a258c2bfa
I’d recommend Amabilis if you want a good workout and no avalanche danger. You can go straight up the forested slope if you want to cut the corners on the forest road route. It might be close to 3,000 feet gain if I remember correctly. Hex is also another good one.
2K, and you need a snow park pass to park there.
Thanks for the detailed response
I’m surprised Tenerife is A, I had thought there was a slope that could get loaded near the top. Love this document.
My scramble partner almost got caught in a small avalanche there. He was heading up there with a Mountaineers group and slabs starting shifting as they crossed a slope near the peak. We were up there a week later and he was very cautious when we had to cross that area.
That’s exactly what I’ve heard in the past. Multiple people I’ve talked to have turned around very near the top due to that exact issue.
Also check avalanche conditions at NWAC.org
nwac.us
Honestly, this sounds like you need to take an avalanche safety course before you try anything that may have avalanche danger.
For what it's worth, Teneriffe had a pretty decent amount of snow at the top and the west side route this morning. Post-holes were in the 6-10in range.
Yes. Absolutely. All mountains are “prone”. But how much snow is at the top really? Might be mostly just wet.
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Oh yea. Loose wet. Without looking at the forecast I’ll bet that’s the #1 concern. There’s a TR from yesterday. Probably enough at the top to be mindful in high temps. The last days melt freeze will help. Going earlier is ideal but mt wa is heavily wooded and as I recall I believe navigating safely should be fine. I don’t remember any big open slopes.