RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARHypothermia
Rescue — Little Haystack, Dec 19, 2024
·Little Haystack·Falling Waters Trail / Franconia Ridge
Patrick Bittman, solo male hiker (resident of Portland, ME)
Bittman set out alone at 12:15 a.m. for a winter night hike of the Franconia Ridge loop, became disoriented near the first summit, lost the trail and fled down a steep gully shedding gear, then collapsed waist-deep in snow. He spent roughly 15 hours in the snow before an Army National Guard helicopter evacuation; a Fish and Game report cited cotton layers, insufficient preparation, and poor judgment.
What we can learn
Fish and Game's report cited cotton layers and insufficient preparation for winter above-treeline conditions.
Contributing factors
SoloLate startInadequate clothingOff trailSummit fever