Two Climbers and Two Skiers Caught In Avalanche At Tuckerman’s Ravine On Mount Washington
Tuckerman’s Ravine, New Hampshire – On Sunday, January 17, 2016 two Canadian climbers triggered an avalanche in “The Chute” at Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Tuckerman’s Ravine is a popular backcountry skiing and climbing venue in the Northeast.
The climbers were ascending “The Chute” when they noticed that snow conditions had changed. As they turn around and started to descend their line, the slope fractured 75 to 100 feet above them. A 100 foot wide avalanche came down and caught both climbers as well as two skiers in a different party. All four were caught in the avalanche. They traveled various distances to the bottom of the ravine.
White Mountain National Forest snow rangers responded to the avalanche. One skier and one climber suffered minor injuries. Michel Houde of Lorraine, Quebec and skier Kaj Huld of Brunswick, Maine were both treated by the snow rangers. A nearby avalanche class helped to transport one of the injured parties by litter to Hermit Lake.
According to the Concord Monitor, Mount Washington reported 5.5 inches of snow the day before the incident with 40 to 60 mph winds overnight. The avalanche danger was considerable to moderate.
According to Boston.com, “At least nine people have died in avalanches on Mount Washington in the past two decades.” Mount Washington is also known for the world’s worst weather, which consists of a record wind speed of 231 mph recorded on April 12, 1934.
This was a close call. Be safe out there.
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