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FatalityOutcome: FatalFalling ice

Fatality — Mount Washington, Feb 18, 2001

·Mount Washington·Damnation Gully, Huntington Ravine

Ned D. Green, 26, of Warwick, MA (Harvard Mountaineering Club cabin caretaker) · party of 2

On February 18, 2001, Ned D. Green, 26, of Warwick, Massachusetts, the caretaker of the Harvard Mountaineering Club cabin below Huntington Ravine, died while ice climbing Damnation Gully on Mount Washington. His partner, soloing above him, struck an ice tool that ruptured an ice dam, releasing ice and water onto Green. He fell roughly 600 feet down the gully and died of his injuries.

What we can learn

Climbers stacked below a leader on steep ice are exposed to ruptured ice dams and dislodged ice from above; staying out of the fall line of the climber above reduces the risk of being struck or swept.

Contributing factors

Solo
Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back. See current conditions for Mount Washington →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Washington

Part of the WMNF Hiker Incident Database. Every entry cites a primary or near-primary source; details are refined as the record is reviewed.