‘Unprepared’ hikers stuck in waist-deep snow call 911, then phone dies, NH rescuers say
A pair of “unprepared hikers” were rescued after getting caught in waist-deep snow, New Hampshire rescuers say.
The Massachusetts hikers, ages 17 and 18, started to hike a 7-mile loop on Mount Moosilauke at about 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said in a Feb. 21 news release.
Hours later, they found themselves waist-deep in snow on Snapper Trail, rescuers said.
“Without snowshoes or headlamps they were having trouble navigating the trail and their cell phones had low batteries,” rescuers said.
The hikers called 911 shortly before 7 p.m., per the release.
However, during their initial call with a conservation officer, their “cell phone batteries died and all contact was lost,” according to rescuers.
Rescuers arrived at the mountain and started searching for the duo.
As they were searching, rescuers got another 911 call; the hikers managed “to charge a cellphone and a light” using a battery charger they had packed, the release said.
The pair also made it to a more frequented hiking trail, rescuers said.
Rescuers found the hikers near the Ravine Lodge shortly before 9 p.m., per the release.
Though the two had the appropriate gear for hiking in the winter, they did not have “snowshoes or headlamps which would have prevented the rescue call,” according to rescuers.
Those venturing outdoors should pack 10 “essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife,” rescuers said, adding that hikers may need additional gear depending on the weather.
Mount Moosilauke is in the White Mountains, about a 90-mile drive north from Manchester.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM with the headline "‘Unprepared’ hikers stuck in waist-deep snow call 911, then phone dies, NH rescuers say."
