Fatality at Tucks June 3

[skicdave]

A woman from Ottawa Ontario was killed Sunday afternoon on her first run of the day in Tuckerman Ravine. She fell on the steep headwall after making her first turn, and slid 150 metres, then crashed into the rocks below. She was apparently not wearing a helmet.

It's dangerous and risky at this time of the year since the snow receeds up the sides of the ravine. Falling is not much of an option since you are almost guaranteed you will slide into the huge bolder fields and scrub below which is exposed in early summer. A helmet is highly recommend as well as extreme caution.

Dave

[RKelleyJr]

Dave & All:

This hazard was unknown to me until I read your response to "Cinda"'s "when to go" topic several days back. I makes perfect sense when you think about but it was something that hadn't occurred to me. I have only been twice and am by no means an expert on the ravine trek. However, this does reinforce to me how important and useful this forum is as a resource when planning tucks treks...

Thanks to all for helping keep it as safe as possible.

-R

[pscopa]

I would like to also express my thanks to Dave and those who contribute to this site. The information and advice I received made my first Tuckermans experience a safe one this year and unforgettable. Made a second trip 5 days later and have been planning for next year.
The information, links to other sites and people with experience exist here to make planning your trip as safe as possible,given the inherent risks associated with Mt. Washington and the Ravine.

None of us want to become a tragic statistic.

Thanks to all!

Paul




[This message has been edited by pscopa (edited June 04, 2001).]

[Skigear]

Skiing up at Tuckerman's this time of year is probably more dangerous than other times, but plenty of people manage to get up and down in one piece. The one thing people seem to forget when and if they do start to slide, especially on the hike up is that they can use their gear (skis, poles, and boots) to help self arrest (and potentially prevent injury). I can't believe it when I see people start to go, and they let go of all their gear sit on their asses, and slide to the bottom with out even trying to stop. By the time they do try to stop it's probably too late and they finally realise that they are booking it down to a big pile of rocks. Grab those skis by the tail hold on tight and jam them in the snow. Oh, and if you do start to slide, please warn the people bellow that you are comming their way.