Two hikers stranded overnight in severe winter conditions on Mt. Washington

Two hikers stranded overnight in severe winter conditions on Mt. Washington were successfully rescued early on Monday. Kathryn McKee, 51, of Fayville, and Beata Lelacheur, 54, of Westborough, found themselves lost off the Jewell Trail after a sudden whiteout at 5,000 feet. Around 6 p.m. Sunday, a frantic call to 911 alerted NH Fish and Game about the women’s dire situation. Using GPS coordinates provided during the call, authorities quickly determined the pair was only 34 feet off the trail but trapped in challenging conditions, battling chest-deep snow and hidden dangers known as “spruce traps.” The rescue snow cat departed at 11 p.m., reaching the summit just before midnight. The team, equipped with snowshoes and determination, navigated through heavy snow and fierce winds, using GPS to reach the hikers’ last known location. By 1:50 a.m., their efforts paid off, and the rescuers located the two women, who were alive and alert but suffering from cold-related injuries.