ADK rescue NDR

K

Kevin B

Well-known member
A young couple survived 2 nights on Algonquin peak (5000+) and were found in rough condition late this afternoon. 3ft of snow and below zero wind chill. Some of the rangers were out over 30 hours in those conditions and their dedication is exemplary . My wife dispatched for 43 hrs since Sunday, she just left the hospital after meeting the family . Two families get an early Christmas present ,as well as the Rangers involved. I'll have a Blanton's in hand for her when she walks in the door
 
a good outcome for a change

at least they must have been good enough to let someone know where they were headed

kudos to the Rangers and NYSP special ops - they get to go home tired but with a well deserved smile this time
 
It was a concerned Mom who called dispatch about the pair being over due. That got the ball rolling Sunday evening.
You're right about the tired smiles, some well deserved beers will be lifted toight
 
Been following since they were reported. Stalwart action by the DEC and others. Conditions of the two unreported in the news, must be rough. Experienced hikers can have issues at this time of year, but wondering about the thinking here and whether they were experienced or just misguided. Weather here has been difficult at low elevations, at 5k feet where they were found, they were lucky.
 
They been released from the hospital. The young man emptied his pack and made a bivy for his girl friend which kept her core temp up, quick thinking.
Tricky mountain ,the wind always blows hard up there and can push you off course into the south east side snow field even when reading a compass. The ranger was looking down at them stuck at 4800 ft. They were finally able to get the ship in to air lift them out. They wouldn't have made it another night.
 
Much luckier than the woman attempting MacNaughton last winter. Lucky indeed...Glad to hear this one didn't end in tragedy like so many did this past year. 43 hours is a long spell on Algonquin in winter conditions. I've been up there twice in those conditions and it can get flat out nasty up there. Never had any issues with direction though.

Thanks for posting this up, I'm hoping to head up that way between Christmas and New Years to kick off the winter climbing season. Please thank your wife for me. I'm not sure what role she played but everybody is important in those situations.

Steve
 
Got a little more information today from work-source from an Adirondack network which a colleague who represents the DEC and the Park is tied into. The couple reached the summit and were headed down when they were enveloped by snow and fog. Apparently, they were quoted as saying the could not see their hands in front of their faces. They continued down hand and hand and got off the trail and slide down a precipice and landed in deep snow. All equipment was sodden and wet and they did their best to shelter. This comes to me third hand at best, but we should have an accurate accounting in the next couple of days. Kevin may know more know.
 
James , there was an interview in the Daily Telegraph Niskayuna Ny Paper. Freezing fog blinded them, the wind tends to push you to the SE side which turns into a snow field, they fell slowly through the snow ( in snow shoe's )approximately 150 ft and Hit spruce tops. The girl mattie fell into a"spruce trap which I have personally experienced (Table top ). The young man pulled her up out of it dump his pack to warm her up, lost the contents. on Tuesday The NYSP ship was hovering below them, their screams were heard from Rangers above them and the rest came to happy ending thks to the great job by NYSP Pilots and Rangers.

Funny thing ,My wife had been speaking with the parents all day Monday and Tuesday morning offering encouragement and letting them know the how committed the teams were. At the hospital when they met in person they realized my Niece and their son are friends from high school. Such a small world.
NYSDEC released the hoist on You Tube, enjoy!
 
Kevin: Saw the hoist on the TU site. The interview was slightly different from what we initially got, but similar and contained more details which you describe. Tough decision whether to sit it out or head down. Kids will always make the latter decision.

Very lucky kids.
 
Had they moved and fell into a spruce trap,that would have never been found like many before them. Vert steep ,I don't think they had a choice. Bad things happen fast
 
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