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 2/16/26 As of 7:30am, current temperature is 16 F. Trail conditions: Partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. The summit forecast has winds at 5mph with a feel of 16F and visibility of 10miles. Traction required for packed trails on Clark, Manning, and Lower Manning. Another beautiful day! Think layers, remember to hydrate and always carry the 10 essentials.
Current Snow Depth 29"
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 2/16/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 15 F. Partly Cloudy.. Trails above and below hut the trails are variable with pack and well packed with deeper drifts. Floatation and traction are recommended for both above and below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 42"
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 2/16/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 15.1 degrees. Partly Cloudy. Above the hut the trails are packed with deeper drifts, Floatation, crampons and ice ax are recommended. Below the hut mostly packed traction is recommended.
Current Snow Depth 49"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 2/16/26 As of 7:00am The current temperature is 17.2 F. Most well traveled trails will be packed out at this point, microspikes recommended. Less popular, less traveled trails will require snowshoes. As well as above tree line where drifting is likely. Today’s best bet hike is Mt. Willard via the Willard Trail. A 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that ascends 937 feet from AMC’s Crawford Depot, Mt. Willard is considered an easy hike for the White Mountains (3/6 on AMC’s Activity Rating Scale). Ending in stunning views looking south into Crawford Notch, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck trails in the region. Micro spikes strongly recommended.
Current Snow Depth 31"
Status: open
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 2/16/26 As of 5:15 am the current temperature is 20.2 F. Trails are mostly well packed, light traction such as microspikes recommended. On less-traveled trails snowshoes are recommended. Lows Bald Spot via Old Jackon Road would be a great hike today. Great views looking north in the valley, a moderate hike with fantastic scenery along the way. Traction is recommended, snowshoes may be desirable.
Current Snow Depth 27"
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 2/16/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 16 F. Overcast. Trails are mostly packed with some deeper drifts. Micro spikes and floatation are recommended.
Current Snow Depth 30"
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 2/16/2026 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 15 degrees. * Zealand Road is closed* Cloudy. Trails are mostly packed. microspikes and snowshoes recommended.
Current Snow Depth 43"
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: open
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: open
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
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.