Considerations for Autumn Adventurers

By Ryan Knapp

Looking out the window, it is evident that we are heading into autumn. The plants in the alpine regions have transitioned to their earthy hues. The foliage on the mountainsides and valley floors is beginning to transition into autumn colors, which will soon paint a breathtaking picture below us. As the beauty of the autumn scenery takes shape, you might be inspired for some outdoor adventures in the weeks ahead. While autumn is a great time to explore the White Mountains, it is important to note expected changes in the weather, trail conditions, and operating schedules.

Temperatures will transition from summer-like to fall-like. On average, daily temperatures on the summit start around 40F by the end of September and drop to the mid-20s by the end of October. Snow typically begins to accumulate during October, with an average of 19.0 inches of snowfall over the past 30 years. Hurricane-force gusts (>73 mph) become more common in October, occurring on 1/3 to 1/2 of the available days. The variability of the weather underscores the need for caution and preparation, as some days may be beautiful while others can be quite challenging or dangerous if unprepared.

It’s common to hear stories of people setting out on trails in clear, calm, and mild conditions, only to be caught off guard by fog, snow, and freezing temperatures. In today’s world, plenty of resources are available to help you prepare and avoid being caught off guard. You can check the 48-Hour Higher Summits Forecast, updated twice daily at 5 am and 5 pm, or the NWS recreational forecast page. While smartphone apps are not always accurate for the summit, they can still provide some weather information. Additionally, the Hike Safe webpage offers valuable packing and preparation tips. The AMC page dedicated to hiking in the White Mountains is an excellent resource for advice. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from others, either online or in person.

If you plan to head above treeline and are used to hiking in the summer and relying on huts for shelter, food, and water, it’s crucial to note alterations to the operating schedules of Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) huts and shelters. For instance, the Lakes of the Clouds Hut is closed for the season. And in the coming weeks, other AMC huts will either close for the season or transition to self-service. Alternatively, if you plan to use a Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) camp, information is available on their website, and for USFS camps and shelters, information is available on their website.

If you’re heading to the summit of Mt. Washington and are planning to utilize the NH State Park Sherman Adams Building, Mt. Washington Auto Road, and/or Mount Washington Cog Railway, please check their website for their current operating status and schedules. Winter weather conditions can alter operations. Changes that occur might be listed on their website, social media pages, or by contacting them directly.

For a Higher Summits Forecast discussion on upcoming weekend weather, tune in to our Facebook page every Friday at 5 pm EST with our weather team.