Two experienced hikers are lucky to be alive after a terrifying ordeal on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast, known for its extreme weather. Kathryn McKee, 51, and Beata LeLacheur, 54, had successfully hiked the challenging mountain trail before but found themselves trapped in waist-deep snow and whiteout conditions on Sunday after losing daylight.
The two friends, both seasoned hikers, were caught in a sudden and severe weather change with wind gusts reaching 60 mph and temperatures plummeting to -2°F (-19°C). As the snowstorm intensified, they became disoriented, losing track of the trail, and McKee got stuck in a “spruce trap,” a hole under the snow. Struggling to move forward, they spent hours attempting to find safety. With no way out, they called 911 for help.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officers attempted to guide them to safety, but the trail had been erased by wind and snow. Unable to follow their coordinates, the two women were forced to huddle together for warmth as the temperature continued to drop. Despite wearing proper gear, McKee’s hands froze, making it impossible for her to access emergency supplies. Fearing for each other’s lives, the women spent six hours in the freezing conditions.
At around midnight, a rescue team with nine members aboard a snowcat vehicle reached the summit. The team used GPS to track the hikers, eventually finding them at 1:50 a.m. on Monday. Both women had suffered frostbite, primarily on their hands, but after being sheltered and warmed, they were able to move by 3 a.m.
The hikers, who had proper winter hiking experience and gear, expressed their deep gratitude to the rescuers, acknowledging the danger they faced. “It saved our lives,” McKee said, vowing to continue hiking in the future but with additional safety precautions.
This rescue serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with hiking in extreme weather, even for seasoned adventurers.
