Two hikers were rescued on Mount Flume in New Hampshire Thursday after becoming stranded due to icy trail conditions.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, they received a report of two hikers who were stuck near the top of the Flume Slide in Lincoln at 2:16 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.
At the time of the call, the two hikers said that due to extremely icy trail conditions they were no longer able to hike up the trail and were in a location that they were no longer able to safely descend the trail. The hikers said they tried for a while to find a way down safely but were unable to move from their location.
After speaking with the hikers, officials determined the only way to get the hikers was to send rescuers with crampons, ropes and harnesses to their location.
Rescuers from Mountain Rescue Service and the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trailhead along with conservation officers. Rescuers hiked up to the stranded hikers and arrived at 6:15 pm.
Using ropes, crampons and harnesses, the rescue teams were able to lower the hikers to safety. After getting the hikers to a safe location on the trail they were able to hike out.
The hikers and rescuers safely made it back to the trailhead at 11:10 pm.
Officials said the two 30-year-old hikers from Rhode Island were prepared for an overnight winter hike and camping, but they only had micro spikes and not crampons. The pair had reportedly already spent one night out camping.
During the rescue, rescuers had to set up safety lines due to swollen brook crossings at numerous locations. Officials said hikers at this time of year should remember that with warmer temperatures and snow melting crossing brooks and streams might not be possible.
