A 43-year-old Quebec woman was rescued off of Mount Washington in an overnight operation after running into near freezing temperatures and high winds. New Hampshire Fish & Game received an alert of a hiker on the Jewell Trail who was unable to continue at approximately 8:00pm.
Rescue crews were dispatched and were able to locate her just before midnight but were faced with language barrier as she did not speak English. Crews managed to get the distressed hiker to Cog’s Base Station at 6:15am. Her condition was cold but thankfully uninjured.
Authorities report temperature on Mount Washington, which is famous for its year round inclement weather, had dipped to 33 degrees and winds were gusting up to 60 mph.
The New Hampshire Fire Marshall’s Office requires that all Mount Washington summit visitors and volunteers meet one basic requirement:
“In the event of an emergency, you must be physically able to “self-evacuate” from the summit. This means you must have the physical ability to get yourself down the mountain, even in extreme conditions.”
All participants are urged to take this requirement very seriously. Read more about summer hiking conditions at Mount Washington below:
Mount Washington Summer Weather Advisory:
Our summer operating season is defined as the time when the Mt. Washington Auto Road is open to private vehicles. Generally, this is mid-May through mid-October.
An average mid-summer day on Mount Washington has a high temperature of about 53°F and an overnight low of about 42°F, but freezing temperatures can occur during any month of the year. Winds average about 25 mph, with hurricane-force gusts possible. Thick, wet fog occurs on about 90% of the days in summer, and measurable precipitation is recorded about every other day.
Hiking conditions may include frigid temperatures, high winds, blowing precipitation, and limited visibility.
Due to the severity of these conditions, we require that all participants:
- Are at least 18 years of age or are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times
- Are ready, willing, and able to hike to safety on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, which could be up to eight miles on the steep, snow-covered mountain road, or possibly several miles on the rugged trails above treeline, amidst extreme weather conditions, such as blowing snow, thick fog, sub-zero temperatures, and high winds.
- Are properly prepared with all the required clothing and equipment
- Understand the risks and hazards of participating in a visit to the Mount Washington Observatory
- Have to the best of their knowledge, completely filled out any pertinent health and safety information upon registration. If significant changes in health have occurred, please contact education@mountwashington.org with this information.
