Two Massachusetts hikers, Kathyrn McKee, 51, and Beata LeLacheur, 54, were rescued from Mount Washington, the Northeast's highest peak, after encountering a severe snowstorm. The experienced hikers were navigating a challenging trail when a sudden whiteout erased their path, forcing them to trudge through chest-deep snow. One of McKee's snowshoes got trapped in a snow-covered void beneath a tree, further hindering their progress.
McKee described their struggle to the Associated Press, saying they resorted to crawling to move forward. After an hour, they contacted authorities. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) officers pinpointed their location using GPS, guiding them toward the trail, which was surprisingly close. However, the wind-obliterated trail remained elusive.
The hikers huddled for warmth, enduring sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. A rescue operation commenced around 8:30 p.m., involving a snowcat and a team of nine rescuers. McKee recounted the agonizing wait, fearing for their survival as the wind buried them in snow. They focused on staying positive, she said.
The rescue team reached the summit near midnight and began their search. The deep snow and challenging conditions made progress slow. Finally, around 1:30 a.m., the rescuers found the hikers alive and conscious, though suffering from the cold. After warming them and providing emergency shelter, the team helped the hikers descend the mountain, reaching safety around 4:15 a.m.
Despite their ordeal, both hikers expressed their intention to return to the mountains, adding a small tent to their gear for future emergencies. They acknowledged the inherent risks of hiking but emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and taking precautions.
