We stopped by the Big Four Ice Caves on Monday, July 6. Temps were about 85-90 at 2pm in the afternoon. Arriving at the end of the trail, we observed people continuously heading down to the entrance of the cave. It was obvious that it was unsafe, yet people continued to allow their kids and dogs to get close to the entrance. 3 hours later a collapse will claim the life of one and injure 4 others who ventured too close to the entrance. Please, don't ignore the signs, warnings, memorial plaque, and common sense and venture down to the entrance of the cave. It is not safe.
Comments
Here's an unfortunate comment from one bystander at the scene of the accident (taken from the Lowell Sun):
"It was extremely gruesome, honestly," said Jakubowski, who suffered scratches and other minor injuries. She said she saw the warning signs outside but went in anyway, adding she didn't see anything that seemed to point toward a collapse, and others already were in the cave.
Hot weather = melting ice. Anyone that can't understand that shouldn't be out there.
Posted by:
MapleLeaf on Jul 07, 2015 01:08 PM
At 2pm Monday the Ice Cave showed clear signs of dangerous conditions. The debris from several previous collapses was present and had to be walked over to enter the caves. Water was flowing from the deep cracks and fissures that had formed in the overhead. To be honest, in it's current state a barrier / rope should have been in place to keep people well-back from the entrance as this trail attracts the novice and inexperienced tourist like a magnet.
Posted by:
Cruiznbye on Jul 08, 2015 09:00 AM