Officials with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center and Mount Washington Observatory are warning outdoors enthusiasts about dangerous conditions in high peak areas this weekend.
On Friday afternoon, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center posted a video on social media that said a rain-on-snow event last night in the Presidential Range was followed by a strong refreeze this morning.
“A fall in steep terrain this weekend would have serious consequences,” stated the video.
Officials said it would be unlikely for anyone who falls to stop or self-arrest given the conditions, and anyone venturing into backcountry terrain will need crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet.
In addition to icy conditions, dangerously cold temperatures in the region mean this coming weekend will not be a good one for spring skiing.
The Mount Washington Observatory has issued a wind chill advisory from 5 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Sunday.
The observatory’s higher summits forecast states temperatures will fall through the day Friday as elevated winds usher in colder air behind the cold front, dropping below zero Friday night and slowly recovering through Saturday. Although winds will decline to moderate speeds during this time, temperatures will be cold enough for exposure risks from hypothermia and frostbite to develop.
The temperature Saturday in the Mount Washington area is expected to be below zero, with a wind chill between 25 and 35 degrees below zero.
