Raymond Cataract

The large drainage between Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine. Unlike other ravines which are comprised of many different gullies, Raymond is just one big gully. As a result a lot of water drains through here, and the line is generally a gushing waterfall, except in deep snow years when it fills in enough to be skiable. Approach from either Tuckerman or Huntington Ravine and descend through bushes into the main body of the line. The upper part of the line has a max pitch of 25 degrees. Skiing something so low angle on a mountain as steep as Mount Washington feels a little strange, like skiing an infinity pool. As you drop back into treeline, the gully gets narrow and rolls from 25 to 45 degrees in just a handful of turns. The next section of skiing is a water fall in the summer, and it’s not uncommon to encounter open water here. Ski through this steep section to the woods below, and follow the drainage out to the Huntington Ravine Fire Road. Be aware that this area is a massive terrain trap, and the convex roll I mentioned above is a textbook spot to trigger an avalanche. Raymond Cataract was the scene of a fatal avalanche in 2019 that resulted in the loss of a beloved member of the ski community. Please approach this line with caution.