Unprepared Hikers Rescued on Mount Moosilauke in Warren

[KRooney]

Two young people, woefully unprepared who started at 1PM, needed help getting down safely.

https://nhfishgame.com/2025/02/21/unprepared-hikers-rescued-on-mount-moosilauke-in-warren/

 

[OldEric]

Sounds pretty much like a non event

 

[KRooney]

Yes. Luckily, they found a way to recharge their phone and headlamp.

 

[NH2112]

Probably just me because it’s been years since I’ve been on a packed trail not of my own making, but I don’t understand not bringing snowshoes in winter, period. This winter should be a perfect example of why you should, the powdery snow and wind means paths will fill in with blown snow. I sank to just below my ribs last weekend WITH snowshoes while crossing a ditch (they went in at an angle) and spent 20 minutes digging myself out (why an avalanche shovel is also a must IMO.) Plus the stuff takes forever to pack down, if it ever really does.

 

[Ear Drum]

There was a detailed trail report from today, posted by Borealis (Kyle Welch) on NETC. In part, it says:

"Snowshoes door to door. As in just about every previous report I've written this winter, a mystery why people insist on carrying snowshoes on unconsolidated trails. Honestly curious if people just hate wearing them, don't know how to put them on, or don't understand when to use them. Headed out Ammo and caught a group of 10 snowshoers, after which the trail was pretty roto-tilled. Caught up to the tillers on the steep section as they were switching from bare boots to crampons, (they were carrying snowhoes). Honestly puzzling as there wasn't any ice, just semi-consolidated snow which the snowshoes had great grip on once I got in front of them and the crampons certainly weren't going to help them stop postholing. ..."

Then he saw more later, similarly carrying while struggling. I guess it's a thing, carry 'em just in case but *don't* use them!

from: https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=75683

When I put on my 'shoes, I usually feel like, oh yeah, now I have good traction and support.

 

[NH2112]

There was a detailed trail report from today, posted by Borealis (Kyle Welch) on NETC. In part, it says:

"Snowshoes door to door. As in just about every previous report I've written this winter, a mystery why people insist on carrying snowshoes on unconsolidated trails. Honestly curious if people just hate wearing them, don't know how to put them on, or don't understand when to use them. Headed out Ammo and caught a group of 10 snowshoers, after which the trail was pretty roto-tilled. Caught up to the tillers on the steep section as they were switching from bare boots to crampons, (they were carrying snowhoes). Honestly puzzling as there wasn't any ice, just semi-consolidated snow which the snowshoes had great grip on once I got in front of them and the crampons certainly weren't going to help them stop postholing. ..."

Then he saw more later, similarly carrying while struggling. I guess it's a thing, carry 'em just in case but *don't* use them!

from: https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=75683

When I put on my 'shoes, I usually feel like, oh yeah, now I have good traction and support.

Probably the same reason some people buy a 4x4, lift it, put mud tires on, then pride themselves on not engaging 4WD until they get stuck. At which point it’s harder to get out because they’ve dug themselves in deeper trying to get out in 2WD.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

Unless there is enough snow to wear them straight out of the trailhead, I always seem to wait too long to put them on. Then when I finally put them on, I wonder why I didn't do it sooner.