Rescue — Mount Flume, Mar 19, 2026
Casey Cullinan, 30, of Warwick, RI, and William Becker, 30, of Hope Valley, RI · party of 2
Two hikers became stranded near the top of the Flume Slide on March 19, 2026, due to extremely icy trail conditions that prevented them from ascending or descending. They had micro spikes but not crampons, and had already spent one night camping. Mountain Rescue Service and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team used ropes, crampons, and harnesses to lower the hikers to safety, returning to the trailhead at 11:10 p.m.
What we can learn
With warmer temperatures and snow melting, crossing brooks and streams might not be possible; hikers should be equipped with appropriate traction devices such as crampons for icy conditions.
Contributing factors