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I don't have a lot to say right now other than "here we go, hang on"... By that I mean we are headed for the semi annual warmup and thaw that we almost always get in December. It's a bit early this year, but it really does always happen. On the good side we need the water in the system, PLUS, it is supposed to be chilling down right afterward. So please just get your Xmas shopping done, have an adult beverage, hug your loved ones, be nice and STAY TUNED.
2025/2026 FUNDRAISER WINDUP & THANKZ:
Thanks to everyone who donated this year. I updated the Donations page a few daze ago and hopefully I got everyone. If you're not there, please let me know. I truly appreciate your support.
http://www.neclimbs.com/index.php?PageName=donation_list
Ice Conditions Report:
Selected Ice Conditions effective February 19, 2026
Just as you would expect following Ice Fest AND a week of truly balmy temps, going to be upper 30's today, the ice can be a mixed bag. I saw someone post about how things are terrible. But digging into it, I realized they were talking about places like the North End that are very well used. It probably gets the most use of all. There are only a few places that have really easy access to moderate climbing and where you can set up a bunch of top-ropes. So that's not unexpected. And of course the climbs that are getting a lot of full sun are getting somewhat punked-out. On my way back from Wolfeboro mid-afternoon a few days ago I took a look at Rainbow Slabs which look as if they are getting pretty funky. And I watched a hunk of the bottom of Way In The Wilderness fall down! IMO it's really the time to start paying attention to what you're walking underneath, any time of the day. Enjoy this weather, but keep paying attention...
Huntington Ravine
numerous options
Repentance
iffy
Standard Route
GREAT conditions
Dracula
IN & very fat
For the full current conditions report, CLICK
HERE
MT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY VALLEY WEATHER:
High pressure crests over the region early Thursday, then shifts offshore as a broad and deepening area of low pressure approaches from the west on Friday. Thursday will start with a bit of sunshine before clouds spread in from the west ahead of the approaching low. Winds will weaken in the morning but are expected to increase throughout the day as the ridge departs and the low approaches. As the flow shifts to the south, a strong return flow will boost temperatures above normal by the afternoon, despite the increasing winds, which will make it feel cooler on exposed skin.
Overnight, clouds will continue to thicken and lower. Precipitation will approach in the evening and will start off showery before steadier precipitation moves in after midnight. While the mountains could see a wintry mix overnight, lower elevations will be warming enough to allow for rain. Rain will then continue into Friday and could fall heavily at times. The warm temperatures, warm fog on the summits, and rain will lead to snow melting. This will lead to swollen waterways, and ice jams could lead to some localized ice jams and isolated flooding. Rain lingers into Friday evening, and then, as colder air returns, any lingering showers will transition to snow with only light accumulations expected.
Lastly, winds will ramp up Thursday afternoon, into Friday, and Friday night. Gusts on Friday will be reaching up to 45 mph, and gusts on Friday night will be reaching 50 mph in some areas. This will likely lead to downed branches and trees in areas and could result in power outages. A wind advisory is expected to go into effect from 8 am EDT to 7 pm EDT on Friday for SW NH. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this advisory extends further north in later updates.
MW AVALANCHE CENTER:
You are likely to find firm and wind-hardened snow surfaces across steep terrain today. In isolated areas, you could trigger a small avalanche in smooth snow as temperatures and solar gain warm snow surfaces. Travel on firm, textured snow surfaces to reduce your exposure.
MUSICAL NOTES
I'm off this weekend, but will be at Big Day Brewing in Gorham on December 26th and again in January 1st. I hope to see some of you there.
If you are at all interested in what else is coming up with me musically, you can always see my schedule here: http://www.alhospers.com/?PageName=2
VALLEY CYCLING:
Marshall and Rogers Crossing are both well groomed right now BUT please wait till after the trails have firmed up after the rains. Also, when I looked at Sawyer RR there is a good packed trail up the road that should be good for fat bike riding AND XC Skiing. I am hoping to get up there possibly on Monday.
Mobile Version Of NEClimbs:
Up on one of the Mount Washington Valley's finest crags and want to know what that climb you're looking at is? Or maybe you're on your way up from Boston and want to check out the Ice Report for your upcoming weekend plans. Or more likely, you're at work just want to daydream about your next adventure. Well if you have a smart phone handy, you can get to NEClimbs from anywhere you have cell service. While it doesn't offer every single feature of the site and it's not an "app", in mobile form, it does do a whole lot and is very useful. Here is the live link to the mobile version of NEClimbs:
Check it out and if you have issues on your specific phone, please feel free to let me know.
NEClimbs & White Mountain Report On Facebook:
Join us and LIKE us on Facebook. I'll try and post interesting pix every Thursday and the latest Ice Report in the season, tho certainly not the whole Report. Here's where you can check it out:
Climbing is a very dangerous sport. You can get hurt or even kill yourself. When you go climbing, you do so of your own free will. Everything on this site is to be taken with a grain of salt. Don't blame us if you get up some totally heinous route, in over your head and fall and hurt yourself.
