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RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARLost

Rescue — Mount Whiteface, Oct 21, 2012

·Mount Whiteface·Blueberry Ledge Trail

Elizabeth Wilson (Laconia, NH) and Kathleen Hall (Newmarket, NH) · party of 2

On Sunday, October 21, 2012, Elizabeth Wilson of Laconia and Kathleen Hall of Newmarket, NH, hiked to the summit of Mount Whiteface in Tamworth after a late start and were overcome by darkness while descending the Blueberry Ledge Trail. They called for assistance at 7:00 p.m. Conservation Officers determined their location from the call and hiked about a mile in to reach the pair, who had no lights, bringing them out to the trailhead by 9:30 p.m.

What we can learn

Avoid a late start on fall hikes and always carry a headlamp; shortened daylight can leave descending hikers in the dark.

Contributing factors

No headlampLate start
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 Whiteface →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Whiteface

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