Two Hikers Rescued After Being Stranded in Mount Washington Whiteout

The experienced hikers endured freezing temperatures and chest-deep snow for hours before being located by rescuers early Monday morning.

Kathryn McKee, 51, and Beata LeLacheur, 54, were stranded on Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, during a severe snowstorm on Sunday.
The hikers, both experienced and equipped with winter gear, lost the trail in whiteout conditions with temperatures dropping to -2°F and winds of 50-60 mph.
After struggling for an hour in chest-deep snow and spruce traps, the hikers called 911 for assistance around 6 p.m., but they were unable to locate the trail despite being just 34 feet away.
Rescuers reached the hikers around 1:50 a.m. Monday, finding them alive but suffering from cold weather injuries, including frostbite, after six hours of exposure.
The hikers were warmed in emergency shelters before descending the mountain with rescuers, who emphasized the importance of preparedness in New Hampshire's unpredictable winter conditions.