Rescues Highlight Need for Safety on NH Mountains

Fish and Game officials are reminding hikers to stay safe as they enjoy the fall foliage following multiple rescues this week in the New Hampshire mountains.

On Monday evening in Lancaster, a late-afternoon storm caught two hikers on an exposed section of the Pine Link Trail on the summit of Mt. Madison, leading to the need for a rescue.

Raymond Barnard, 28, and Stephanie Watkins, 27, both of Brownsville, VT, were making their way across the summit of Mt. Madison when they were caught by one of the severe storms that ravaged the North Country. Heavy rain, propelled by winds approaching 90 mph, soaked the couple and their gear, causing them to have to take shelter amongst rocks in the trail. Dense fog reduced visibility to near nothing, and temperatures began to drop. Faced with uncertainty about the exact location of the trail and being extremely cold and wet, the couple called 911 for help at approximately 7 p.m.

Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department were notified of the situation and a rescue party consisting of two conservation officers and two members of the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team ascended Mt. Madison and located Barnard and Watkins shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday. They were very cold and wet, but were able to converse with rescuers and put on dry clothing. The couple had used sleeping bags and a tent rain fly to protect themselves while waiting for help, an action which may have saved their lives.

Earlier on Monday in New Hampton, around 1:30 p.m., Matthew Weinstein, 23, of Mill River, MA, was hiking with his caregiver Marius Louw and two other companions on Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire.

While descending the Summit Trail in Mt. Sunapee State Park, Weinstein became separated from his caregivers. After looking for Weinstein for 2-1/2 hours with no success, a call was placed to authorities for assistance.

A search team was organized, comprised of Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, members of the Newbury Fire Department and volunteers from the Upper Valley Wilderness Search and Rescue Team. Impending bad weather increased the urgency in finding Weinstein, a special needs person who is unable to speak.

After searching numerous trails and roads surrounding Mt. Sunapee State Park, Weinstein was located approximately five miles from his last known location. He was in good health and returned to his companions.

Fish and Game urges hikers to remember the following:

1. The days are shorter this time of year. Plan ahead and bring a flashlight just in case you are caught out after dark.
2. Look at the weather forecast. If impending bad weather is predicted, dress accordingly–or reconsider your plans.
3. Stay together. Many searches are a result of hikers not staying with the group or adults not watching the children. This is also true for caregivers of the elderly or a person with special needs.
4. Review the hiker responsibility code–and the 10 essentials to have in your pack at http://www.hikesafe.com.