Get tips for safe spring skiing in Tuckerman Ravine

"Skiing safely in Tuckerman Ravine means more than being an expert skier," according to the U.S. Forest Service. "It means being prepared with the proper equipment and knowledge, being flexible in your plans, and never skiing alone. Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine is a true mountaineering experience.... Many people have been injured and killed in Tuckerman Ravine."

The dangers of Tuckerman Ravine are as pronounced as its unique beauty. The AMC advises anyone planning to hike or ski in the ravine this spring to heed the U.S. Forest Service's avalanche reports before heading out. (For updated weather and advisories, see a Website devoted to Tuckerman Ravine, call the Forest Service at 603-466-2713, or contact the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at 603-466-2721.) Snow rangers are also often on hand at the ravine, and they welcome questions and concerns from visitors.

The ravine's character, severe weather, propensity for avalanches, falling ice, crevasses, and other dangers for skiers and hikers are noted below.

Tuckerman Ravine Profile

• This backcountry ski area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
• The ravine is located in White Mountain National Forest on the shoulder of 6,288-foot Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast.
• The ravine is undeveloped with no ski lifts and no groomed ski runs.
• Skiers hike along the 2.4-mile Tuckerman Ravine Trail carrying their skis. Reaching the ski runs can require mountaineering skills and equipment such as crampons and an ice ax. The climb often can take three hours.
• The ski season generally runs from late March through May. Winter skiing is even more dangerous due to higher avalanche risk. Late-season skiing presents other hazards.
• The ravine has a steep pitch — in some places sometimes a 55-degree pitch.
• Driving to the top is not permitted.
• The ravine loses direct sunlight behind surrounding peaks at about 2:30 p.m. This condition causes soft snow to turn into a hard, icy snowpack fairly early. Forest rangers suggest descending the ravine's headwall before then.
• Unpredictable and harsh weather on Mount Washington forces skiers and hikers to be aware of avalanches, open crevasses, falling ice, and other hazards.

Severe Weather

• The weather on Mount Washington is unpredictable because of its location in the midst of three major storm tracks. Sunny skies can be replaced by heavy overcast, fog, snow, rain, or bitterly cold winds in a matter of minutes. There is no shelter in the ravine for protection. (See related article for information on lodging and planning.)
• Learn to recognize the signs of hypothermia.
• Skiers and hikers should stop at the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at the trailhead in Pinkham Notch to check weather conditions and avalanche predictions before heading to the ravine.
• For White Mountain weather reports and information on avalanche conditions, call the AMC at 603-466-2721, or the U.S. Forest Service Androscoggin Ranger District at 603-466-2713. Or, check the Forest Service's Website devoted to Tuckerman Ravine.

Avalanches

• Avalanches can be deadly. After 30 minutes, a person buried in an avalanche has less than a 50 percent chance of survival, says Forest Service Snow Ranger Brad Ray.
• Avalanches are frequent on Tuckerman Ravine's steep, snowy, windswept slopes. They are most common during or immediately following a snowstorm, but the danger continues to exist in the spring.
• As a skier, you should avoid steep, open slopes holding new snow and should heed posted avalanche warnings.
• Check for avalanche hazards in areas where conditions may not be posted.
• Check the USFS avalanche reports posted online, at the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and at the Hermit Lake caretaker's cabin before heading into the ravine.
• Snow rangers warn that any new snow or rain in the spring will increase the potential for avalanche in the ravine.
• Rangers are stationed in the ravine to provide information on snow conditions, avalanche danger, and other hazards. They provide on-slope tips on safety, resource protection, and hiking and camping information, and daily avalanche forecasts.
• Members of the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, and AMC staff are also good sources of safety information.

Falling Ice

• Warming spring temperatures and sunshine combine to weaken layers of ice that cling to the ravine's ledges in winter. It is not uncommon for car-sized chunks of ice to break away from the top of the ravine and hurtle into the bowl below. Skiers beware.

Open Crevasses

• Melting snow can cause deep crevasses to open up. Check the signs posted at the AMC's Visitor Center and at the base of the ravine. Skiers should stay well clear of crevasses.
• Because these are difficult to see, watch for them as you climb up and while you ski back down.

Undermined Snow

• Water running beneath the snow weakens it and it can give way. Skiers should be alert for areas that may be prone to such undermining.
• Again, check the route as you climb up before you start skiing.

Sunburn

• Highly reflective snow in the ravine increases the risk of sunburn. Wear sunscreen.