Two experienced hikers found themselves in a challenging situation on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. After hiking neighboring peaks in the White Mountains, the women were descending the trail later than planned, facing diminishing daylight and worsening weather conditions. Battling waist-deep snow and whiteout conditions, they became disoriented on the Northeast’s tallest mountain known for its harsh climate.
Struggling to extricate one of the hikers from a snow-covered tree trap, the pair resorted to crawling on their bellies to make progress but eventually realized they needed help. After trying to rescue themselves for over an hour, they contacted 911, leading New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers to their location. Despite efforts to follow the trail with the officers’ guidance, the hikers were unable to navigate due to the wind and snow obliterating their path.
As temperatures plummeted and winds intensified, the hikers, stuck at around 5,000 feet, faced a dire situation. With freezing hands and limited mobility, they huddled together in the snow, awaiting assistance. After enduring the harsh conditions for several hours, a rescue team, including nine individuals on a snowcat vehicle, made their way up the mountain to locate the stranded hikers.
By early Monday morning, rescue crews reached the hikers’ last known position and successfully made contact, providing necessary aid and support. The challenging rescue operation highlighted the dangers of Mount Washington’s unpredictable weather and the importance of preparedness when venturing into the wilderness.
“Navigation was challenging, and progress was slow as the group faced the arduous task of breaking trail through the deep snow,” Holmes explained. McKee and LeLacheur were discovered half an hour later, bearing frostbite primarily on their hands. Emergency shelters were promptly established by the crews, allowing the hikers to regain enough strength to move independently by 3 a.m. the following Monday. By 4:15 a.m., the rescuers and hikers descended to the base station of the Cog Railway, a train powered by a locomotive that ascends to the mountain’s summit.
Holmes noted that both women were well-equipped for a winter hike, possessed emergency gear, and boasted prior experience in winter hiking. However, they had not anticipated losing the trail. McKee and LeLacheur had received guidance on hiking from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Worcester chapter in Massachusetts. Reflecting on their ordeal, McKee expressed gratitude towards their rescuers for saving their lives, despite their reluctance to make the distress call.
Both individuals affirmed their intent to continue hiking in the White Mountains and mentioned augmenting their gear with a compact pop-up tent for potential shelter needs. McKee emphasized her resilience, stating, “You either get back on the horse, or you don’t. I’m not hesitant to resume hiking. I will prioritize safety in my future endeavors, recognizing the inherent risks in our pursuits.”
