Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 70
Sometimes, falling pieces of rock and ice can be the size of a golf ball, but at
other times, they can be the size of a car or truck, weighing many tons and
reaching speeds of over 60 mph. Mount Washington Avalanche Center photo.
SPRING MOUNTAIN HAZARDS
As winter transitions to spring each year, environmental changes, such as warmer
temperatures, longer and more intense sunlight, and the shift from snow to rain
lead to a shift in the types of mountain hazards seen during the springtime.
Though the threat of avalanches begins to drop off in the spring, these mountain
hazards are proven to be just as dangerous and have contributed to hundreds of
accidents and near-misses over the years. Having the ability to identify, plan for, and
avoid these hazards can greatly reduce your risk when traveling in the mountains.
1. ICEFALL AND ROCKFALL
These dangerous ice and rock formations
are caused by constant freeze-and-thaw
cycles, melting ice, and water runoff from
snowmelt. They appear blue or white,
vertical in steepness and can be seen or
heard as the weather warms up. Wear a
helmet and avoid standing underneath
ice on steep terrain. “Lunch Rocks” is one
of the most dangerous spots in the ravine
due to the exposure to these formations.
They weigh many tons, can move at 60
miles per hour, and can be the size of a
golf ball to a truck.
2. REFROZEN SNOW SURFACE
Melt-and-freeze cycles affect snow
hardness and can cause hard, icy surfaces
that are hazards for anyone heading out
to the trails. These surfaces often cause
long-sliding falls, so mountaineering
equipment and self-arresting skills are
critical. Refrozen surfaces appear as hard,
shiny snow with minimal boot penetration. These surfaces can be predicted by
looking at temperatures and areas that
go from sunny to shaded.
3. UNDERMINED SNOW
When water runoff melts adjacent snow,
warm air travels underneath it, which
enhances melting and causes snow to
collapse. This creates a snow bridge, often found near bodies of water, which are
Skiers and hikers should access as much information from the MWAC website before
heading out, and ensure the plan aligns with the experience level of the group.
Always have the avalanche essentials with you (a beacon, shovel, and probe), as well
as mountaineering gear (an ice axe, crampons, and helmet), and know how to use them.
40 percent are from long-sliding falls.
These falls are common in spring due
to the amount of ice on the ground,
especially on the steep terrain in the
ravine. Other spring risks include icefall
and rockfall, which can be the size of a
truck; and the weather, which is often
underestimated. Moynihan says that
you have to be ready for winter, even if
it’s May.
About 30 years ago, my dad and
his buddies were skiing in the ravine.
Suddenly, they heard a rumble coming
from the headwall. They watched as a
chunk of ice the size of a car fell and hit a
skier standing in its course. After seeing
how much he was bleeding, my dad and
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his group decided to call it a day.
“We have 15 to 25 rescues a year,” says
Scanlan. In the ravine, there are more
incidents and larger rescue volumes in
the spring than at any other time of year.
Rescues can take hours to complete. The
crew takes time to assess the situation
before going on the rescue mission. Some
rescues require additional SAR volunteer
teams, as well as the Ski Patrol, which
is a man-powered group of volunteers
that operates from March to May. Each
team works together to get people off the
mountain safely.
PREPARING FOR A DAY IN THE RAVINE
That day in May 2023, I sat on a big
boulder and watched my dad and his
crew hike up the headwall. One of the
skiers, who was in his early 20s, had
never skied Tuckerman Ravine before. He
followed the group up the wall; climbing
the snow steps formed by other boots. He
got to the top of the headwall, and I could
see his orange ski pants reflecting in the
sunlight as he stood in his skis, unable to
make a turn for quite some time.
Before attempting to ski down Tuckerman Ravine, Fongemie suggests starting
small. Hike partway up a smaller slope
with a safe runout and see how it feels. If it
feels okay, go a little higher the next time.
“People need to be quite solid skiers,
and they also need to know their limitaMWVvibe.com / @mwvvibe
