Two Hikers Rescued from Mount Washington Amid Severe Snowstorm

On Sunday, two experienced hikers found themselves in a life-threatening situation on Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast, when a sudden whiteout snowstorm struck at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. Authorities confirmed their rescue, highlighting the dangers that can arise in extreme weather conditions.

The Hikers’ Expedition Turns Hazardous

Kathryn McKee, 51, of Southborough, Massachusetts, and Beata LeLacheur, 54, of Westborough, Massachusetts, were navigating a challenging trail in New Hampshire when the weather dramatically deteriorated. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) reported that temperatures plummeted and strong winds caused the trail to vanish under swirling snow.

Struggling for Survival

As the conditions worsened, the friends encountered treacherous obstacles. One of McKee’s snowshoes became trapped in a so-called “spruce trap,” a hole created in the snow beneath trees. “It took like 20 minutes to get out of that,” she recounted in an interview with The Associated Press. “That kept happening, and we ended up crawling on our bellies to try to get to the next point. We were struggling so much that it just wasn’t working anymore.”

Emergency Calls Initiate Rescue

After about an hour of grappling with the harsh elements, they made a 911 call shortly after 6 p.m. NHFG conservation officers quickly responded by pinpointing their GPS coordinates and directing them toward the trail, which was frustratingly only 34 feet away. Yet, the hikers were unable to follow it, as it had been obscured by the relentless wind and snow.

Huddling for Warmth

Stranded and unable to find their way, the pair eventually huddled together in the snow to conserve warmth while awaiting rescue. By the time the NHFG began its operation around 8:30 p.m., temperatures at the summit had dipped to -2 degrees Fahrenheit, with winds howling at speeds of 50-60 mph, often accompanied by stronger gusts.

Hikers Face Dire Circumstances

Despite using insulated gloves, McKee explained that her hands were frozen. They used a bag as a wind guard and remained in their location for six grueling hours, trying to endure the bitter conditions. “I was terrified that my friend might pass away in front of me, or I might die. But you can’t dwell on that; you have to focus on what you can do next,” McKee shared.

Rescue Operation Commences

Just before midnight, a rescue team aboard a Mount Washington State Park snowcat reached the summit. These skilled rescuers snowshoed across deep snow toward the last known location of McKee and LeLacheur.

Successful Recovery

At approximately 1:20 a.m. Monday, the rescuers finally made contact with the two hikers, who were found alive and alert, though both had begun to suffer from the effects of extreme cold. Rescue personnel quickly set up emergency shelters and worked to warm McKee and LeLacheur, who were thankfully able to move independently after an hour.

Safe Descent

At around 3 a.m., the rescuers and the hikers began their descent down the Jewell Trail, reaching the base of the Cog Railway safely by 4:15 a.m. Mount Washington, standing at 6,288 feet, is renowned for its unpredictable and severe weather conditions.

Lessons Learned from the Experience

Although both women were well-prepared for their winter hike—with emergency gear and prior experience—they did not anticipate losing the trail in such severe weather. Prior to their hike, they had received training from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Worcester chapter.

Gratitude and Future Hiking Plans

Reflecting on their harrowing experience, McKee expressed deep gratitude toward their rescuers. “We feel awful about having to call 911, but it saved our lives, and we’re eternally grateful,” she stated. Both hikers are undeterred by their encounter with danger and plan to return to the White Mountains, considering the addition of a small pop-up tent to their gear for future hikes.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

“You either get back on the horse, or you don’t,” McKee stated confidently. “I’m not going to have a problem getting back on the horse. I’ll do it as safely as I can, but I recognize the risks that come with hiking.” This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures and the importance of preparation and responsiveness in emergency situations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.