April 4th 2012

Tuckerman Ravine Crevasse Tragedy Unfolding

Rescue attemps on hold at popular spring skiing zone

Words by: Alex Kaufman l STE Online Editor
News Credit: Boston Globe 

This year's short ski season has not been short on tragedy. That trend continues. More families are suffering and the skiing community continues to struggle with the balance between our pursuits and significant real life losses associated with those pursuits.

This week the popular Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington serves as a reminder of the dangers of backcountry travel. Norman Priebatsch, 67, the hiker that fell into a crevasse on Sunday, April 1 remains there and rescue and recovery efforts remain on hold due to weather and snow/ice conditions. He was hiking with three people including his son when he slipped and plunged into the crevasse which has been reported as at least 100 feet deep. The family of the victim is holding out hope for a positive outcome, while acknowledging the low likelyhood at hand.

The location has been described as between "Lunch Rocks" and "The Lip". This zone is highly trafficked by skiers both ascending and descending the Ravine. Norman was not skiing at the time, but there may not be a more iconic location in eastern North America to ski.

March 27, 2012 photo of The Lip and Headwall. Mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org photo

Many of our Ski The East contributors are Tuckerman Ravine veterans and this event hits close to home for anyone who has enjoyed a day in The Bowl. The location of the tragedy is not an isolated backcountry chute, but rather in the heart of the east's spring skiing mecca. It's a reminder for us all about the thin line between fun and real danger.

No one wants to see these tragedies repeated. The authority on Tuckerman Ravine current conditions is the Mount Washington Avalanche Center. Their statement posted today includes the following warning: "Taking into account the extent of crevasses, the severity of the consequences, and the inability to assess the hazard, the greater Lip area, which includes a section of the summer hiking trail should be avoided entirely.  As we have discussed in past weeks this is also true for the heavily crevassed areas in the northern portions of the Center Bowl underneath the headwall ice, Lip and areas towards the Sluice all the way down to the Ravine floor."

Some thoughts on Ravine safety from our backcountry contributors:

Erme Catino (Managing Editor Ski The East):
"It's really sad to hear of the news of Norman Priebatsch, Mt. Washington is one of the last few wild places left in New England, but it gets so much traffic in Tuckerman Ravine that it almost becomes a resort in the spring. I've seen a lot of close calls up in Tuckerman, and my hat goes out to the Forest Rangers up there that provide the avalanche forecast and the help that was needed to try and save Norman. My condolences to his family, please be safe everyone."

Geoff McDonald (President Meathead Films):
"Although the Appalachians don't have nearly the dramatic vertical of many of the world's mountain ranges, they still hold plenty of challenges as well as real danger. We know that first hand from working in the winter backcountry for the past 10 years. Mount Washington, known for it's steep terrain and severe weather is both a beautiful and deceivingly treacherous mountain. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Priebatsch family during this difficult time."

Tim Fater (Co-Director Ski The East Freeride Tour):
"The name "avalanche report" can be a bit misleading. While avalanches are definitely a concern, as spring approaches, the snow solidifies and a corn cycle develops, the avalanche risks lessen but many other risks are unveiled. You always have to look at who and what's above you and what's below you. Ice fall from above is a real danger and any type of travel in steep, often icy, terrain is just as dangerous. I really feel for the family. I spend time up there too and can't imagine the pain they must be feeling."

Ian Reynolds (Contributing Editor Ski The East):
"As winter gives way to spring, Tuckerman Ravine becomes an east coast treasure for those looking for their last slide on a snowy face. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most dangerous backcountry adventures in the east. With snow condititons looking more like late may, the crevasse danger is growing.  While most go for fun, it can sometimes be easy to forget that when playing in the outdoors, real danger exists. That family must be devastated. Feeling for them for sure."

File photo. Note the collecting of people on "Lunch Rocks" and boot pack of ascending hikers. 

Without snow and ice these areas are far tamer. (Tim Fater photos)

More details on the situation on Mt Washington according to today's Boston Globe: US Forest Service authorities said Tuesday that the “situation remains grim’’ in the search for Boston entrepreneur Norman Priebatsch, who slipped and fell down a deep crevasse while hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains Sunday, but the hiker’s family is holding out hope.

“We’ve been doing the same thing for two days, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,’’ his daughter, Daniella Priebatsch, said Tuesday standing in the foyer of the family’s Back Bay residence.

Her father was hiking in Tuckerman Ravine with three people, including his 23-year-old son, Seth, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday when he slipped and plunged at least 100 feet. The crevasse was filled with hanging ice and running water.

On average, about 25 visitors a year to the White Mountains require some sort of rescue assistance after mishaps. Tuckerman Ravine has claimed the lives of at least two hikers in recent years, including a New Jersey man who fell at least 100 feet while hiking with four friends in July 2010, and a Mansfield man who in January plunged about 800 feet.

The ravine, on the east side of Mount Washington, is characterized by long, deep slopes and rocky terrain. The area where Priebatsch fell is usually closed in late spring when the main waterfall starts flowing and crevasses open up.

Brenna said authorities at the popular destination routinely post weather advisories throughout the range and keep an updated website detailing conditions.

Panoramic video of The Ravine from above in early season. (Tim Fater video)