CONCORD — With snow and ice finally arriving in New Hampshire, outdoor authorities are advising the Granite State's back-country visitors to "Hike Safe."
"New Hampshire is a great place for winter recreation, whether you're hiking, snowshoeing, back-country skiing or ice-climbing," Fish and Game Conservation Officer Lt. James Goss. "But the winter environment can be a dangerous place. Cold temperatures, deep snow cover and fierce winds — especially above treeline — mean that hikers and others need to take special precautions."
Recent incidents have included the death of a hiker who fell 800 feet while descending Mount Washington after dark, and several skiers who had to be rescued by Forest Service Snow Rangers after triggering avalanches in unstable snow on the mountain.
To help stay safe, winter outdoor enthusiasts should visit hikesafe.com and review the principles of "hikeSafe," a joint initiative of N.H. Fish and Game and the White Mountain National Forest to promote safe and responsible hiking.
There are six basic tenets of the code. You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared: with the appropriate knowledge and gear; leave plans with someone else; hiking groups should stick together; always be ready to turn back if circumstances dictate; be ready for emergencies; share these lessons with others.
The Hiker Responsibility Code applies year-round, but there are special considerations for winter hiking.
"Winter weather can be extreme, especially on the highest summits of the White Mountains," Goss said. "so anyone venturing to those areas absolutely must be prepared for bitter cold, strong winds and poor visibility — and must be ready to turn back if conditions become too difficult."
For safety alerts and more information on the White Mountain National Forest, visit fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain.
All back-country visitors should be aware of avalanches and the special training and equipment needed for anyone who is traveling in potential avalanche terrain.
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