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RescueOutcome: Self-rescuedExposure

Rescue — Mount Washington, Oct 26, 2025

·Mount Washington·Tuckerman Ravine Trail

Owen Strommer, 20, of Wakefield, Rhode Island

Strommer was caught in windblown snow about 0.3 miles below the summit with a dying headlamp and cell phone and no backup equipment; the summit temperature was 21°F with a wind chill of 3°F. He picked his way up by cairns until he reached a State Park truck's headlights and was driven to the summit to warm up. Fish and Game said he was 'absolutely unprepared' for above-treeline conditions.

What we can learn

Fish and Game emphasized the situation could have had a very bad outcome and stressed preparation for above-treeline winter conditions.

Contributing factors

No headlampPhone battery diedInadequate clothingIgnored forecast
Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back. See current conditions for Mount Washington →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Washington

Part of the WMNF Hiker Incident Database. Every entry cites a primary or near-primary source; details are refined as the record is reviewed.