another rescue in the mountains 5/16

I just got the email from NHF&G. Couple of young men from PA had to be pulled from the Dry River Wilderness when they got off the trail. One of the hikers actually "lost a sneaker while trudging through snow depths of 3-5 feet" . Thank goodness they had their cell phones to call for rescue. Here's the release;



CONTACT:
Sgt. James Juneau: (603) 271-3361
Liza Poinier: (603) 271-3211
May 16, 2008

SUCCESSFUL SEARCH FOR LOST HIKERS IN WHITE MOUNTAINS

HART'S LOCATION, N.H. - On Thursday, May 15, 2008 at approximately 8:30
p.m., two distressed hikers from Pennsylvania emerged early from a
planned multi-day traverse of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's
White Mountains.

According to Sgt. James Juneau of the New Hampshire Fish and Game
Department, a search and rescue mission for the hikers began Thursday
morning. The search was prompted when one of the hikers made a cell phone
call for help to the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Limited information provided by the call indicated the hikers' location
to be in the upper reaches of the Dry River Wilderness. The hikers
reported they were wet and cold, and off the hiking trail. Deep snow
conditions hampered the hikers' efforts. It was later determined that one of
the hikers lost a sneaker while trudging through snow depths of 3-5
feet.

The hikers were identified as Gregory Pine, age 19 of Newtown, PA and
Robert Hogan, age 20, of Langhorne, PA. Pine and Langhorne eventually
walked themselves out to Route 302 and were relayed to the AMC Highland
Center in Crawford Notch. Both hikers were in fairly good condition,
although Pine sustained significant superficial wounds to both feet. Sgt.
Juneau stated that lack of snowshoes and appropriate footwear were
significant factors leading to Pine and Langhorne calling for help.

In addition to Fish and Game Conservation Officers, personnel from the
Appalachian Mountain Club participated in the search.

Fish and Game reminds hikers that winter conditions still exist in
parts of the White Mountains and they must be prepared with the right
knowledge and gear for extreme changing conditions. Though it may feel like
summer where you live, the weather in the Whites is highly
unpredictable. Some trails are clear, but many are muddy or icy, and others still
have snow.

For information on safe hiking, visit http://www.hikeSafe.com.

- ### -

dentonfabrics said:

Deep snow conditions hampered the hikers' efforts. It was later determined that one of the hikers lost a sneaker while trudging through snow depths of 3-5 feet. [/B]

Click to expand...

Am suprised that people are hiking is sneakers at this time of year.

sjhbos said:

Am suprised that people are hiking is sneakers at this time of year.

Click to expand...

I'm not. Many seem to think that spring or early summer in the lowlands means that winter-like conditions are over in the mountains.

It always feels funny walking around among the grass and flowers carrying one's ice axe and snowshoes...

Doug

DougPaul said:

I'm not. Many seem to think that spring or early summer in the lowlands means that winter-like conditions are over in the mountains.

It always feels funny walking around among the grass and flowers carrying one's ice axe and snowshoes...

Doug

Click to expand...

And add to it the fact those hills got some DEEP snow this year, coupled with not-so-super-warm temps there is still quite a bit of white stuff left to go.

I wonder if we will still see a couple/few feet of deep snow on the northern facing and more shaded trails come the unofficial kick-off to the summer hiking season, Memorial Day. My guess is yes.

Brian

I echo Doug, May was a popular time for rescues of unprepared hikers. It's difficult to concieve if you don't 'know' how much snow sits in the woods between 3000-4000ft.

I think it was two springs ago that three young hikers spent a night at treeline on Madison on a deep snow drift in jeans and sneakers. Pretty common this time of year.

Still 3-4 feet of snow above 3000' on the AT on the East side of South Crocker, Maine this past Saturday (5/17/08).