Lobster Claw

Narrow snow gully on the right wall of Tuckerman Ravine. It splits midway; the wider right branch is commonly taken and is considered the standard line. Typical sustained pitch around 25–30°, topping out onto the Alpine Garden. Expect a confined fall line with limited width for turns.

Approach on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail from Pinkham Notch to Hermit Lake and the ravine floor. Stage away from Lunch Rocks, then boot directly up the Lobster Claw you plan to ski, noting obstacles. Most descend the ascent line back to the ravine floor; Lion Head Winter Route is a common exit when appropriate.

Hazards: avalanche involvement is routine in Tucks; treat the entire gully as consequential. Overhanging/falling ice and overhead hazard near Lunch Rocks—don’t linger. This zone sees periodic spring closures of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail through the Lip due to crevasses/undermined snow—plan alternate exits when that’s in effect.

Best when well filled and during spring corn cycles; still a real gully with firm-morning/soft-afternoon variability. Less trafficked than the main Bowl lines but still subject to wind-loading and variable snow. Check the daily avalanche forecast and recent observations before committing. More info: Mount Washington Avalanche Center.