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 04/18/2025 at 9:00 a.m., the current temperature is 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Trail conditions: A mix of sun and clouds, with WNW winds at 3-10 mph. Micro spikes recommended to reach the summit. Ski trails closed.
Current Snow Depth Varied depending on terrain. Not much left
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 4/18/2025, the current temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The current weather is sunny and clear with calm winds. Trails are packed refrozen snow. Traction recommended below the hut. Ice axe, crampons and floatation recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 24"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions As of 04/17/25 at 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 27.1 degrees Fahrenheit. A mix of bare spots, monorail, and ice, with some deeper snow still at higher elevations. Today's best bet is the Around-the-Lake trail. This wooded walk, is a 1.2 mi round trip loop w/ 155 ft of elevation gain.
Current Snow Depth 6"
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 4/18/25 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The current weather is sunny. Below the hut is refrozen snow and ice, Traction is required. Above the hut is very icy. Traction and floatation is required
Current Snow Depth 23
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: close
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 4/18/2025 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 21 degrees Fahrenheit. The current weather is sunny blue skies. Below the hut is refrozen Monorail, Traction recommended. Above the hut is refrozen ice and snow that should have some melting throughout the day. Traction and floatation recommended.
Current Snow Depth 21"
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: close
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: close
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 4/17/2025 at 5:15am., the current temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Trails are icy crust on hard packed base. We recommend traction on all trails and flotation at higher elevations. A good bet for today is a hike up to Crystal Cascades
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions As of 4/18/2025 at 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The current weather is sunny and clear with calm winds. Trails are packed refrozen snow and ice and snow drifts. Traction and floatation recommended below the hut. Ice axe, crampons and floatation recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 31.9
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.