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
Expand the sections below to explore detailed weather forecasts, trail updates, snow depth, and links to in-depth tools for planning your trip.
New Hampshire
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions 1/2/26 As of 7:30 am, current temperature is 2 degrees. Trail conditions: A mix of sun and clouds today with West winds at 10-15mph. Trails covered in a coating of snow over iced hardpack. Remember to always carry a headlamp, and traction is required to reach the summit. Ski trails are open with the current snow accumulation, be mindful of ice, uncovered rocks, grass and terrain.
Current Snow Depth 6"
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 1/2/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is -2.6 degrees. Partly cloudy Trails consist of very drifted snow. Micro spikes are recommended for travelling below the hut. Snow shoes are recommended for travelling above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 26"
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
Greenleaf Hut
Name and Location: Greenleaf Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,200'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 01/2/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is -6 degrees. Overcast and windy Trails are packed and slick. Microspike recommended below the shelter. Crampons and ax recommended above the shelter.
Current Snow Depth 33"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 1/2/26 As of 7:00am The current temperature is 0 Degrees Fahrenheit. Light dusting of a couple inches of fresh snow over packed and refrozen snow and ice. Micro spikes are a must - trails not touched in a couple weeks will require snowshoes! High Winds (Gusts up to 90 MPH) along with Temps in the single digits make lower altitude hikes with cover an excellent choice. Mt. Willard is a 3.2 Mile hike with a spectacular view, mostly covered and packed out so ideal for a day like today.
Current Snow Depth 16"
Status: open
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 1/2/26 As of 4:45 am the current temperature is 1.2 F. Fresh powder over drifted snow. Snowshoes recommended. Best Bet: Square Ledge.
Current Snow Depth 17"
Status: open
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
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 1/2/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 2 degrees. Cloudy. Trails consist of fresh powder over packed. Micro spikes are recommended when travelling below the hut and snow shoes when travelling above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 27"
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
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions 1/2/2026 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 1 degrees. * Zealand Road is closed* Cloudy. Trails are mostly packed with drifts. Micro spikes and snow shoes are recommended for travelling above and below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 23"
Status: open
Maine & New Jersey
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: close
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Status: open
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: 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: close
Please Note: AMC does not update daily trail conditions in the summer season. You can refer to MWOB's Weather Updates for information on Mt. Washington and High Summit Conditions or utilize Mountain Weather Forecasts to view weather information for specific ranges or peaks.
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.