GORHAM, N.H. (WCAX) – Experts are warning about avalanche risk on Mt. Washington after a snowboarder narrowly avoided one last week.
Video shows the snowboarder in Tuckerman’s Ravine outrunning an early-season avalanche. Experts say that while the low-angle avalanche was moving pretty slowly, things could have been different and more dangerous.
“I think it’s really important for people traveling into the backcountry to be ready for dynamic, early season conditions. All it takes is enough snow to sweep you off your feet in order to hit rocks or hit trees, and potentially bury you,” said Patrick Scanlan with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center.
An avalanche on Mt. Washington last year resulted in a long rescue and a serious leg injury for a skier. Scanlan recommends checking the avalanche center forecast, getting up to date on training, and carrying avalanche rescue gear like a shovel, probe, and beacon.
Mt. Washington has already received about a foot of snow this year. A storm on Thursday is expected to bring up to another foot at higher elevations.