Use caution when hiking in Tuckerman's Ravine

Snow rangers on Mount Washington urge skiers, riders, and hikers to be cautious and safe while visiting Tuckerman Ravine this spring. Officials are issuing reminders about the unpredictable and hazardous spring conditions in Tuckerman Ravine. Crevasses (large cracks in the snow pack) open up as snowmelt begins, and can be up to 80-feet deep. Crevasses often are hard to spot from above and people traveling above can slip and tumble in. Several people have slipped into these slots in the last two weeks, and the hazard is increasing throughout the ravine. Cascading ice-cold water and injuries from the fall can put victims in serious life-threatening situations. The largest of the crevasses are on the lip of Tuckerman Ravine. The lip is the central area near the top of the ravine with a near-vertical drop. Snow Rangers recommend that people hike up the ravine in the vicinity of their run down so they can scope out the hazards they'll be facing.Ice fall has injured and even killed visitors in the ravine. Each year over 1,000 tons of ice forms on the headwall in Tuckerman Ravine. In the spring it all comes down, often in pieces larger than cars. Rangers recommend that visitors be aware of where the ice is, note the path it will take when it falls, and plan their own escape route. Do not linger under ice and, as much as possible, stay near large rocks to duck behind if the ice comes down. Lots of ice falls from the headwall and the sluice area with a run-out zone right into Lunch Rocks. Snow Rangers are predicting frequent ice falls in the next several weeks as warm and rainy days occur. Undermined snow causes injuries as people are swallowed by snowpack weakened by water running beneath the surface. Rangers recommend asking officials in the ravine about areas where this invisible threat may lie before traversing the ravine.Severe, unpredictable weather is a trademark of Mount Washington. Hikers should expect winter conditions in the ravine even when it's warm and sunny in the valley. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and be equipped with boots, rain gear, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and layers of warm, winter clothing. Icy conditions are common in the mornings and late afternoons, making ice axes and crampons valuable gear to have along.Trail ClosuresThe Lip and the Tuckerman Ravine trail through the ravine will soon be closed for the rest of the spring skiing season. Once closed, no hiking, skiing, climbing, or riding will be allowed until hazards subside. Check with snow rangers in the ravine or visit tuckerman.org for up-to-date closure information. The John Sherburne ski trail is now closed for the season, and rangers ask that everyone help protect this trail by avoiding it altogether this time of year. Walk down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail instead.The Lion Head Winter trail is still open. It's still winter up there so crampons, ice axes, and the ability to use them are required for safe travel.