Here are two short videos posted by Mt. Washington Avalanche Center clarifying the exact location and circumstances surrounding the avalanche death yesterday in New Hampshire. Initial reports had the avalanche location at Tuckerman Ravine but it actually happened in an the area known as Raymond’s Cataract which is northeast of Tuckerman Ravine and is between it and Huntington Ravine.
A solo skier triggered a windslab avalanche above the waterfall zone in Raymond’s Cataract (where the terrain rolls over) in the early afternoon. The victim was buried approximately 1 meter deep for 1.5-2 hours before he was dug out. Cardiac arrest followed and CPR was administered while a medical helicopter was called for. The man was declared dead about 4 p.m.
The avalanche was most likely category D2 with a 75 wide crown and max crown depth of 3 feet. It’s path took the skier in to river drainage which is referred to as a classic terrain trap. Our condolences to the victim’s family and frineds:
