Rescuers Say Proper Gear, Experience Saved Hikers From Dying in Mt. Washington Whiteout
Two hikers were rescued from New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington on February 3 after becoming lost in whiteout conditions the evening before. The hikers, Kathryn McKee, 51, of Fayville, MA, and Beata Lelacheur, 54, of Westborough, MA, were described as experienced hikers who, despite getting caught out in the blizzard and losing the trail, were well prepared with a variety of gear.
“Both hikers were prepared and had winter hiking experience, but ultimately encountered unforeseen conditions. Had they not had the amount of gear that they had with them, it is unlikely that they would have survived until rescuers reached them,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game in a press release.
Mt. Washington, New Hampshire’s tallest summit, is notorious for having “the worst weather in the world.” McKee and Lelacheur fought their way through chest-deep snow and tree wells, freezing temperatures, and sustained winds of 50-60 mph, often gusting to even higher speeds.
They called 911 around 6 p.m. after losing the trail and attempted to navigate with the help of a Conservation officer over the phone. But with wind and blowing snow constantly erasing all trace of the trail, navigation proved impossible. The pair ultimately sheltered in place to await rescue — an ordeal that would ultimately take all night.

A sign warns hikers of dangerous conditions on Mt. Washington year-round. Pictured in August 2021. Photo: Max Kiel
Based on coordinates provided by 911, officials had already determined that the hikers had been just 35 feet off the Jewell Trail when they called. But reaching their last known location and then finding the pair in the storm still took time.
Rescuers started up the mountain in a State Park snow cat around 11 p.m. Upon reaching the summit, they deployed on foot using snowshoes and GPS to navigate the challenging conditions. They located the lost hikers around 1:50 a.m.
“Both were alive and coherent, but suffering from cold weather injuries,” said NH Fish and Game. Due to the extreme cold, neither McKee nor Lelacheur was initially able to walk.
Crews set up emergency shelters and spent over an hour rewarming the hikers. By then the pair could move on their own and hiked out under their own power. One of the hikers was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of cold weather injuries.
Besides proper gear and experience, both hikers also had Hike Safe cards — $25 passes that can exempt the carrier from search and rescue fees. “Both were extremely grateful for the efforts put forth on their behalf,” said NH Fish and Game, adding that the incident highlighted the importance of preparation.
Featured image courtesy of NH Fish and Game.
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Comments 11
“Had they not had the amount of gear that they had with them, it is unlikely that they would have survived until rescuers reached them,”
Such as…? A few specifics, please, so we can learn from this story.
Strong second to this question. Outside of the importance of the hiker pass, I’m not sure what they had that was useful.
That’s what I was wondering.
Drew and Anna – start with the “ten essentials “, which is published on many sites, or just do a search. Then add some common sense, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. I’ve been hiking and backpacking for 55 years ( I’m now 70), and this hasn’t failed me yet.
I agree. My ten essentials vary depending on the type of trip, the difficulty and time of year etc…There are hand warmers that have a adhesive on one side that can be attached to clothing underneath the outer layer
How do you find the best walking route that 100 miles away
How is it not a major error in judgment to be hiking near the summit of Mount Washington in early February?
It might not be a problem at all. It really depends on the weather. The hikers had some experience, so one might assumed they were aware of the forecast.
Many thanks to the rescue crew and to the person who drove the snow cat to the summit in those conditions. I see news about many of the rescues in the White Mts. Many times it seems as if people make a plan and then do not assess it at departure time using the ample weather/trail data available. The strong front that they encountered was well forecast and looked dangerous. No matter what you invested in a hiking adventure, your well being and life are far more important. Always good none the less to have a good outcome.
If you go hiking in the white mountains in Winter and do not have a real expedition grade, 4-season tent with a -40-degree sleeping bag you are foolish. Not to mention an avalanche shovel and ice axe. The weather is so unpredictable up there. Glad both are okay, but they should consider themselves lucky to have survived.
Typically, incidents such as these involve several factors that when occurring simultaneously result in a rescue. Their hike was an out and back Presidential Winter ascent and long traverse above tree line to Mount Monroe and Mount Jefferson as reported in the Boston Globe. Factor #1 Late start. 7:00AM is not an alpine start. 5:00AM or earlier. Factor #2 Bad Judgement. They did not turn back. They were aware of the time and made the decision to keep going, fully cognizant they would descend in the dark. Factor #3 Fast moving and unexpectedly really bad weather. This is a well-known and sign posted. Factor #4 Missed Alternative – They were at most to .3 to .5 miles away from the Cog Railway. The Cog Railway is a can’t miss man-made railway often suggested as an easy to find emergency descent route. Factor #5 Inappropriate Gear No wands our survey tape to mark the exit trail at tree line. No shovel to improvise a shelter. They were not prepared to become benighted thus necessitating a rescue.