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Over 20 hikers were rescued from Mount Washington in New Hampshire on Saturday (October 25) after being caught in unexpected winter conditions. According to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the hikers were unprepared for the snowy weather, with some developing hypothermia.
Andrew Vilaine, the assistant general manager of the Cog Railway, told The Boston Globe that many hikers lacked proper gear despite temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit at the summit. Vilaine noted, "Had we not been able to assist the hikers with the one-way ride, there is little doubt in my mind that several more complex rescue efforts may have been needed." The hikers were unaware that summit services were unavailable, as the state park was closed for the season.
New Hampshire State Parks issued a warning, reminding visitors that winter conditions prevail at the summit, with sub-freezing temperatures and strong winds. They urged hikers to be "Wildly Responsible" and to research current weather conditions before attempting a climb.
Winter conditions on Mount Washington began earlier in October, with the first icing event on October 10 and the first measurable snowfall on October 16. The mountain typically receives close to 18 inches of snow in October, so the wintry conditions should not have been a surprise to climbers.
Despite the challenging conditions, there were no serious injuries reported among the rescued hikers. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials emphasized the importance of preparing for winter conditions when hiking in the high peaks of the White Mountains, as these conditions can be life-threatening.