A Young Hiker's Close Call on Mount Washington

Mount Washington, renowned for its unpredictable weather, recently put a young hiker to the test. Owen Strommer, a 20-year-old from Wakefield, Rhode Island, found himself in a dire situation when he was caught in a sudden snowstorm while hiking the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

A Harrowing Night

Around 7 p.m., the weather took a sharp turn for the worse. Strommer's headlamp and cellphone were failing, leaving him in the dark—both literally and figuratively. The temperature was a chilly 21 degrees Fahrenheit, but the wind chill made it feel like a mere 3 degrees. Strommer knew he couldn't stay put; he had to keep moving.

Rescuers Spring into Action

Rescuers sprang into action, but organizing a search party takes time. In the meantime, a quick-thinking Mount Washington State Park staffer drove a fully chained truck to the top of the trail. The truck's headlights served as a beacon, guiding Strommer through the storm.

A Race Against the Elements

Strommer pushed forward, covering the last 0.3 miles to the summit. He spotted the truck's headlights and made his way to safety. At 8:29 p.m., he reached the summit, where he was warmed up and checked for injuries. Remarkably, he was unharmed.

A Safe Return

By 10 p.m., Strommer was back at the base of the mountain, safe and sound. This incident serves as a stark reminder that mountain weather can be deceiving. Even if it feels like fall at the base, conditions at the summit can be harsh and wintry.