Weather & Trail Conditions
Be aware that the conditions below are extremely variable.
Backcountry travelers should be prepared for changes.
The Appalachian Mountain Club is proud to partner with Mount Washington Observatory in communicating the challenges of mountain weather, improving hiker decision-making, and studying weather and climate dynamics. Visit the Observatory to learn about all aspects of weather forecasting and long-term climate data in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Weather & Trail Conditions by Location
Expand the sections below to explore detailed weather forecasts, trail updates, snow depth, and links to in-depth tools for planning your trip.
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions As of 2/16/2025 at 8:30 a.m., the current temperature is 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Heavy snow is expected throughout the day, with 16-20 inches expected. Winds east at 3-16 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Plenty of snow for skiing or snowshoeing. Snowshoes and micro-spikes are strongly recommended.
Current Snow Depth 57
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions As of 7:50 a.m. on 2/16/2025, the current temperature is 12 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cloudy and lightly snowing, with a light breeze. Trails have fresh powder over hardpack. Snowshoes are recommended both below and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 40"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions As of 2/16/25 at 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 16.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Trails consist of powder over packed and loosely packed snow. Strong winds and heavy drifting at higher elevations. Active snow fall and blowing snow is creating low visibility conditions. Snowshoes or skis highly recommended.
Current Snow Depth 28"
Status: open
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions As of 2/16/25 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. It is mostly cloudy, and snowing. Trails consist of loosely packed snow below the hut. Trails are not packed above the hut. Snowshoes are recommended for all trails today.
Current Snow Depth 33
Status: open
Medawisla Lodges & Cabin
Name and Location: Medawisla Lodges & Cabin; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1208’
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Current Conditions Winter Conditions
Status: open
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions As of 2/16/2025 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 17 degrees Fahrenheit. In the clouds, with snow and blowing snow. Trails consist of new snow with deep drifts. Snowshoes or skis, and traction recommended both below and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 35
Status: open
Galehead Hut
Name and Location: Galehead Hut; White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,120'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Greenleaf Hut
Name and Location: Greenleaf Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,200'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Name and Location: Lakes of the Clouds Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 5,050'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,220'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Madison Spring Hut
Name and Location: Madison Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,825'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Mizpah Spring Hut
Name and Location: Mizpah Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions As of 2/16/2025 at 5:01 a.m., the current temperature is 14.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It is currently snowing. Trails are being filled with falling snow as well as blowing snow. Thus, snowshoes or cross country skis will be required. Today’s best bet is a hike to Low's Bald Spot. This 4.4-mile round trip hike on Old Jackson Road is moderately steep in places, and reaches a beautiful view of the northern Presidential Range. Once you reach the bald spot, turn around and come back the way you came. at all elevations. Avalanche awareness and winter mountaineering experience are highly recommended with the intensifying winter weather in the higher elevations over the next few days.
Current Snow Depth 28
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions As of 2/16/2025 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 17 degrees Fahrenheit. It is snowing, with light winds. Trails below the cabin have unpacked snow, so snowshoes and micro spikes are recommended. Snow is not packed above the cabin. Snowshoes, ice axe and crampons are recommended above the cabin.
Current Snow Depth 50.4
Status: open
Remember—It’s important to prepare for anything when out in the backcountry.
Even if it feels like summer in the valleys, it can be cold and winter-like on the high peaks. The right clothing and gear are essential where the unpredictable weather of the Northeast meets the increasingly severe weather events from climate change:
- Be prepared for severe conditions, regardless of the season
- Have an alternate route planned if your original route becomes impassable
- Pack the 10 essentials
- Bring extra layers (including synthetic or wool base and insulating layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell)
- Eat high energy foods
- Stay hydrated on your trip
- To prepare for hiking in the White Mountains, always check Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast
Careful planning with adequate supplies will help keep you and your party prepared on the trail and assure a fun and adventurous time in the outdoors.
If you are ever in doubt, turn around – the mountain will always be there for your return adventure.