Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek

Snow Fall chronicles the events surrounding a 2012 avalanche at Tunnel Creek in Washington's Cascade Mountains, where a group of expert skiers ventured into the backcountry. The narrative reconstructs the lead-up to that February day through accounts from the survivors, families, and rescue teams. Branch, a New York Times reporter, presents the technical aspects of avalanches alongside the human elements of decision-making in high-risk situations. The book expands on his Pulitzer Prize-winning multimedia article, incorporating meteorological data, avalanche science, and the history of the Stevens Pass ski area. The reporting follows multiple characters - professional skiers, ski instructors, resort staff - as they gather for what was meant to be a routine backcountry expedition. Branch details their backgrounds, expertise levels, and the sequence of choices that brought them to Tunnel Creek that morning. This account examines the intersection of human nature, risk assessment, and the raw power of mountain environments. The story raises questions about how experience and knowledge interact with group dynamics when lives are at stake.

Readers appreciate Branch's detailed research and vivid descriptions that put them in the moment of the avalanche disaster. Many note how the narrative builds tension effectively while weaving in technical information about snow science and avalanche mechanics. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex avalanche dynamics - Strong character development of the people involved - Effective use of multimedia elements in digital version - Balance of human drama with factual reporting Common criticisms: - Print version lacks impact of original multimedia format - Some find the background details excessive - A few readers wanted more focus on the avalanche itself Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (330+ ratings) "Branch makes you feel the cold and understand the science," writes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader notes: "The technical details could be overwhelming but they're woven in naturally."

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🌨️ Author John Branch won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for "Snow Fall," which began as a New York Times multimedia article before becoming a book. ⛷️ The avalanche described in the book occurred in February 2012 at Stevens Pass, Washington, and claimed the lives of three experienced skiers. 🏔️ The book pioneered a new form of digital storytelling, combining traditional narrative with interactive elements, animations, and video—leading many journalists to refer to similar multimedia projects as "Snow Falls." 🗺️ Tunnel Creek, where the avalanche occurred, is an "out-of-bounds" skiing area that, while technically legal to access, is not patrolled or maintained by the Stevens Pass ski resort. ❄️ The avalanche described in the book was classified as D3 on the D1-D5 destructive scale, meaning it could destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building, or break a few trees.