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 3/14/26 As of 8:30 am, current temperature is 30 degrees F. Clearing skies with light snow flurries. Calm winds. About 4” of light density snow fell over night and early this morning. While this snow will improve ski conditions, those wishing to ski will still need to be extra cautious when descending. Streams will still be open and springtime hazards like downed trees, bare patches, rocks, etc. will still be lurking just below a fresh blanket of snow. Lower angle trails like Duke’s or Kimball ridge would be the play today.
Current Snow Depth N/A
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 3/15/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 12 degrees F. Party cloudy. Calm winds. Fresh snow on frozen trail. Traction and flotation recommended.
Current Snow Depth 37"
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 3/15/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 12 degrees F. Clear and calm. New snow on frozen surfaces with drifts. Flotation and traction recommended below and up to the hut. Above the hut, new snow with drifts. Flotation, ice axe, and crampons recommended.
Current Snow Depth 41
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 3/14/26 As of 7:30am The current temperature is 23.9 degrees F. Trail Conditions are characterized by a mix of deep snow, refrozen ice. Snowshoes are recommended and it would be good to have microspikes just in case. Today's best bet Today’s best bet hike is Ammonoosuc Lake via the Around-the-Lake Trail. A 1.2-mile loop that ascends 155 feet from AMC’s Highland Center, Ammonoosuc Lake is considered a relaxed hike (2/6 on AMC’s Activity Rating Scale). With the option for a partial view of Mt. Washington on the Red Bench Trail (an additional 0.6 miles out-and-back), this hike offers a tour of the northern hardwood forest ecozone, dominated by American beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch. If there’s snow on the ground, keep an eye out for wildlife tracks! Microspikes recommended.
Current Snow Depth 9"
Status: open
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 3/14/26 As of 4:46am the current temperature is 23 degrees F. We have fresh snow on top of our refrozen pack again! Snowshoes are recommended on all trails today. Today's best bet is a short hike to Lost Pond. The trail starts across the road from the Visitor Center and meanders along the Ellis River. Although the views of the pond are lovely, the ice is probably not safe to walk on anymore.
Current Snow Depth 12"
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 3/14/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 23 degrees F. Slightly snowing and overcast. Trails have fresh powder on frozen snow. Traction recommended below the hut, flotation recommended above.
Current Snow Depth 25"
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 3/15/2026 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 18 degrees F. *Zealand Road Closed* Refrozen snow, powdery in places. Light snow and calm winds. Traction and flotation recommended above and below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 23"
Status: open
Maine
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
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
New Jersey
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
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.