NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA — Editor's note: The above video was posted Dec. 11, 2023.
An avalanche alert was issued for Mount Washington in New Hampshire ahead of a snowstorm that's expected to dump nearly 2 feet of snow on the region.
The Mount Washington Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch through 7 a.m. Saturday. The affected area includes Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, Huntington Ravine, and Summer Lion Head Trail.
"Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended," the center said. "Backcountry travelers should plan on rapidly changing and dangerous conditions. Strong winds, limited visibility, and white out conditions are expected."
The center said there could be large avalanches capable of burying multiple people.
"These are avalanches that could tear down a house," Jeff Fongemie, the center's director, told NEWS CENTER Maine.
He said avalanches are common this time of year on Mount Washington and there have been several this week, including one on Tuesday that was about 5 square acres and 10 feet deep. About 30 inches of snow has fallen on the mountain over the last week and the latest forecast calls for about 20 inches through Saturday.
"It's sort of the perfect storm for avalanches," he said, adding the center will likely issue an avalanche warning through Sunday. "Any steep snow slope this weekend is going to be suspect."
Snow in the region is expected to start early Saturday and continue throughout the day. The latest forecast calls for up to 2 inches of snow per hour and winds exceeding 50 mph.
In December, a skier was seriously injured in an avalanche on the mountain. Last year, a snowboarder was caught on video fleeing one.