Rescue — Mount Lafayette / Mount Lincoln / Franconia Ridge, Feb 9, 2025
Three males aged 24, 24, and 25 from Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA · party of 3
On February 9, 2025, three hikers attempting the Falling Waters/Bridle Path Loop on Franconia Ridge activated an SOS via Garmin device at 5:30 p.m. after becoming caught in white-out conditions with deep snow and suffering cold-related injuries near Mount Lincoln. Rescuers made contact with the group just below Greenleaf Hut at 9:10 p.m., provided light sources after some of theirs had died, and escorted them to the trailhead by 10:20 p.m. The group was noted to be fairly well prepared for winter conditions but lacked experience above treeline.
What we can learn
Winter conditions exist in the mountains and hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek to include packing the ten 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.
Contributing factors