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Forest Service avalanche center at work

Avalanche Nonprofit Merger will Support Forest Service Avalanche Center

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New avalanche nonprofit will provide financial aid for Forest Service

NH (Nov. 15, 2022) – Friends of Tuckerman Ravine and White Mountain Avalanche Education Foundation, both longtime nonprofits of Mt. Washington Valley, have merged. The merger will support and promote the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, a Forest Service operation.

Both groups have previously been critical to the success of the Forest Service center, bestowing financial support. This combined entity will enhance the ability to raise money.

“We are very excited about these organizations finally coming together after so many years. Both have the same goals, and now together, we can streamline our efforts to fund the Avalanche Center,” said Jake Risch, president of the new Avalanche Nonprofit – the Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation.

This fall, MWAC will host various events in support of the Forest Service :

The 12th annual Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop takes place on Nov. 17–18

Winter Backcountry Kickoff Party took place on Nov. 19, in Intervale, NH.

Forest Service avalanche center at work
Forest Service avalanche center at work

Mt Washington Avalanche buries skier who survives

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A Mt Washington avalanche on Friday buried a skier who was successfully rescued.

The skier was swept into and under the moving debris and lost skis and poles. It happened near the left gully of Tuckerman Ravine around 3 p.m. on Friday.

When the snow stopped he was buried face down. Fortunately his head was very near the surface. But the rest of his body was buried by two feet or more of debris. He was unable to move but could raise his head for a breath.

Another skier who was with the man did not see him get buried and skied away. That second skier eventually alerted others. Hermit Lake and Harvard Cabin caretakers, along with snow rangers, helped dig him out safely.

The man who was buried and the friend he was skiing with did not have avalanche beacons, probes or shovels. Experts say this gear is highly recommended for anyone skiing or hiking in the area.

An avalanche warning was expected to remain in place on Mt. Washington until Sunday.

Avalanche Rescue after a Mt Washington Avalanche. usfs
After an avalanche on Mt Washington.