FALL ON ICE, HIGH WINDS

New Hampshire, Mount Washington

On March 24, 1983, Kenneth Hokenson (23) and Ali Kashkooli (30) were descending Mount Washington when high wind knocked Kashkooli off his feet. Hokenson ran down the slope to try to stop him and slipped. Both fell over 100 meters, stopping in Raymond Cataract. Hokenson was killed in the fall, and Kashkooli was seriously injured. (Source: Rick Wilcox. New Hampshire Mountain Rescue)

Analysis

It had rained above timberline, and then the temperatures dropped. As there was little snow cover, a very hard layer of ice crust formed. Only a perfect self-arrest could have prevented a long, high-speed slide. Both men were well equipped and had been on the mountain for three days. (Source: Rick Wilcox. New Hampshire Mountain Rescue Service)