Fatality — Mount Adams, Feb 15, 2015
Kate Matrosova, 32, of New York City (experienced mountaineer)
Matrosova began a solo winter traverse of the Northern Presidentials before dawn on February 15, 2015. The Mount Washington Observatory forecast called for a high of -20°F with winds rising to 80-100 mph (gusts to 125 mph) and wind chills as low as -75°F. She activated a personal locator beacon that afternoon; her body was found the next day near Star Lake. Death was attributed to exposure.
What we can learn
Mike Cherim of Androscoggin Valley SAR's Above Treeline Winter Team told Northeast Explorer he believed Matrosova 'did everything right — except for being out there,' adding 'One twisted ankle and we're all screwed.' SAR experts identified the fatal flaw as her decision to proceed despite the forecast of an approaching storm.
Contributing factors