Sliding Fall on Hillman’s Highway
Location: Hillman’s Highway, Tuckerman Ravine area
Date and Time: Friday, April 4, 2025 – Approximately 5:45 p.m.
Summary:
At approximately 5:45 p.m., a skier experienced a long, uncontrolled sliding fall down Hillman’s Highway, coming to a stop near the base of the slope. They were able to hike unassisted to the Hermit Lake Shelters, where they received basic care in the caretaker cabin.
The skier was alert and oriented, and reported abrasions and localized pain on the torso, forearms, and one knee. All injuries were minor. Basic wound care was provided, and the individual remained stable throughout. They later descended the Tuckerman Ravine Trail under their own power to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
The skier was equipped with appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and crampons. Their clothing was intact, and the injuries were consistent with friction-related sliding on firm snow surfaces.
Avalanche Forecast:
On April 4, the avalanche hazard rating was Low. The bottom-line message from the daily avalanche forecast was:
Avalanches are unlikely. A mountaineering mindset and tools, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, are necessary for preventing a dangerous fall in steep terrain.
While avalanche risk was minimal, the hazard of long sliding falls was significant. The snowpack across the Presidential Range was generally stable and consolidated, but recent freeze-thaw cycles and rain events had created firm, icy surfaces on steep slopes. These conditions increase the likelihood of a fall and the severity of its consequences.
The Mount Washington Avalanche Center issued the following discussion:
Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you’re sliding, it’s often too late.
Recent warming and fog have eaten away at the snowpack, exposing rocks and trees which can amplify the consequence of a fall. These hazards turn many areas into no-fall zones.
Key Takeaways:
The skier was part of a group of four who had spent the day skiing warmer, softer snow in the Gulf of Slides. Later in the afternoon, they transitioned to Hillman’s Highway, a shaded aspect where the snow surface may have softened earlier but had since refrozen. After witnessing the first skier’s fall, the remaining party members made the prudent decision to hike down via the Boot Spur Link Trail, a choice that prioritized safety.
When avalanche danger is low, other mountain hazards, especially long sliding falls, can pose a serious risk. Crampons and an ice axe are needed for safely climbing steep terrain in firm or icy conditions. However, when skiing down, there is often no margin for error. On icy surfaces, a stumble or loss of edge can lead to a rapid, uncontrollable slide – with little to no ability to self-arrest.
Preventing a slide is the only reliable defense. Skiers should be prepared to adjust their plans based on conditions, recognizing that even with proper equipment, a hard snow surface can turn any steep descent into a no-fall zone.