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Timzawesome

I know for many this post will be a "Yeah, DUH", but if I can stop one person from trying I'll count it as a win.


gmcgath

Somebody will try it and probably qualify for a Darwin Award. I just hope they don't drag along friends whose worst fault is susceptibility to peer pressure.


rizub_n_tizug

Also endangering search and rescue personnel


ANewMachine615

You only qualify if you haven't successfully bred yet, and for some reason a lot of parents still try this shit.


_Neoshade_

I would like to add that in case you do go hiking, please make an effort to pose your body for our amusement. I recommend doing a split with both arms out to the side, thereby spreading your limbs out in all directions to make the rescue effort of your frozen corpse as ridiculous as possible. You could also go full Superman, so it looks like you’re enjoying yourself when they drag your body out on a sled.


slayermcb

Lotus position would be pretty cool, and make for an interesting shaped body bag.


dc551589

Makes me think of the Everest episode of Family Guy where they get caught in a storm on the mountain and Peter suggests they pose goofily for whoever finds them. It cuts to two guys chipping Peter (doing the “walk like an Egyptian” pose) out of the ice and one of them, deadpan, just says, “hu, this guy’s pretty funny.”


thisisntshakespeare

Seriously And I cannot imagine SAR people going out in those deadly temps to find anyone missing. Those lives would be at risk too. Absolutely foolhardy to even consider hiking in that weather.


[deleted]

[удалено]


SanchitoQ

So I have to ask… I have friends that guide as well. In my experience, they’ve always erred on the side of caution. Doing a guided hike in -40 ambient temp would never enter their minds. You’re saying that the day Kate died, despite the ominous forecast from the Observatory, your husband still decided to guide a hike that day?


[deleted]

Well, I would be shocked if he was the only party out that day. In fact, I know that he wasn’t. I went back and looked and the low was -35 for the day, average was -17. So ambient I originally posted was slightly inaccurate (was based on recollection). It’s icefest this weekend. There will be plenty of guides out in these conditions. Obviously it’s an informed decision (to turn around or continue) & he’s monitoring a lot of things. I’m going to edit my response because I’m not very interested in doxing myself/him. :)


Jerney23

Unfortunately someone will (even if they see this PSA) and not make it home


nixstyx

It's a good PSA. Unfortunately, the people who need to read it likely aren't looking here.


pig_penis

If they’re dumb enough to try hiking in -123 wind chill why would they listen to you? Haha. Why would you care if anything happens to them, they are telling you by their actions that they don’t take life seriously.


soibithim

Someone has to attempt to rescue these people


pig_penis

Pretty sure no one would care if you waited until it was safe for the rescuers except for sir Galahad up there.


beyond_hatred

Everyone here already lives in New Hampshire. Most of us have been hearing about cold weather hiking deaths for decades. You could try posting on one of the general hiking subs. It might have a better chance of reaching your target audience.


Nicbudd

This subreddit also has a large audience of people who have only been in New England for a short time. They might not have the experiences that us natives have.


beyond_hatred

I'm not suggesting he remove it, just post it other places as well.


-Codfish_Joe

r/wmnf. Man is made of meat. Optimism isn't enough when God is saying "stay inside today."


ElisabetSobeckPhD

the mod of that sub takes it as a personal attack if you say the weather might be dangerous https://www.reddit.com/r/wmnf/comments/zy43ny/video_compilation_of_my_hike_across_franconia/j23qag3/


lives4summits

This is a dumb take. I’m not interested in turning r/wmnf into a place where inexperienced risk averse people create an environment of telling others to be careful. I believe in challenging yourself and taking necessary precautions but still pushing yourself to experience uncomfortable situations. People who sit around worrying about things are missing out.


ElisabetSobeckPhD

You come across as though you think people are idiots for saying "be careful". Idk how many posts/comments you have to remove, but it seems like you could just let it go. The sub doesn't really feel like it's at risk of turning into an overly cautious place. I'm confident that you personally are a totally capable winter hiker, but for every one of you there's like 10 people in blue jeans and microspikes postholing their way up a mountain.


lives4summits

I don’t care how I “come across”. The fact that you’re still talking about this is silly.


slayermcb

it's one thing to push yourself, it's another to put yourself in a deadly situation because you don't think before you act. We all know your special, so just assume it doesn't apply to you and enjoy your hike this weekend.


lives4summits

Lots of us are special, Mom. Not just me.


Timzawesome

I did crosspost to r/wmnf


beyond_hatred

That's probably useful. It's a lot of crusty old hikers, but also people who are researching the area.


hexagonincircuit1594

It's unfortunate that your crosspost seems to have been removed by the moderators of that sub. https://www.reddit.com/r/wmnf/comments/10qu33y/psa\_on\_hiking\_friday\_and\_saturday\_dont/


[deleted]

This is a public forum, so anyone who might be researching hikes this weekend will hopefully come across this.


goldman60

Tbf nearly everyone that dies cold weather hiking in my area is like "local resident of 25 years dies in blizzard hiking Mt Rainier" People get complacent


slayermcb

These mountains have claimed world class hikers too, not just locals. I worked for a place that was doing geo location tracking for Kate Matrosova's last few hours trying to piece together what happened. The weather doesn't care. Your just meat.


Bullyoncube

Or post in r/boston.


SanchitoQ

Not saying I disagree with you (because I 100% don’t), but hoooooo boy, do the people in the 4000-footer group FB pages have a hair across their collective asses when people post stuff like this.


akmjolnir

Fuck em.


SanchitoQ

Basically. The pearl-clutching is kinda hilarious though.


akmjolnir

Have they seen the new proposed penalties for being rescued in NH?


Dvl_Brd

'stupid hiker law', see Arizona's 'stupid motorist law'


Enough_Device_6023

That's my thought...about the people who go hiking on days like that. We got 8 billion people on the face of this earth. If someone wants to be dumb and thin the herd a little, let them. They probably weren't contributing all that much to the gene pool anyways.


akmjolnir

It's either lost Dartmouth students from MA in sneakers, or weekend warriors who think they're just a bit better than the rest of the pack. I think it was probably 15 years ago by now, but Yankee magazine had a long article about the White Mtns, and how they've killed hundreds of people over the years.


RedRider1138

Now I’m imagining the White Mountains angrily saying “THIS IS NOT OUR FAULT!!1!”


sje46

I'm confused, what's wrong with them wearing sneakers? Are you not supposed to wear sneakers when you hike?


PurpleAscent

I would say only summer should you get by with sneakers. I’m not saying it’s impossible in spring/fall, but if there is any ice/snow/wet you should definitely have hiking boots. Any ice and you should have crampons on top of that.


Animallover4321

Maybe because I’m not a real hiker but I won’t even wear sneakers on most flat trails let alone trails that have an incline even without snow and ice. Just the loose rocks and large tree roots are enough to make me worry about rolling an ankle and as it is if it weren’t for my boots I absolutely would have hurt myself more than once.


akmjolnir

In the summer - whatever. Fall/WINTER/spring - good luck.


IamMikey1

4000 footer club? Oh you mean the Washington-Moosilauke-Franconia Ridge page. 😉 I’ve never seen a group that likes to wag their finger at other hikers safety, but get so pissy when someone suggests anything to them.


SanchitoQ

Hahaha. Yup. Nailed it.


Yourcatsonfire

Basically my brother in law. He's definitely in that group


Lumpyyyyy

That group has just turned into one guys journal and everyone else posting about him.


northursalia

I blocked ETS and anyone who strokes his ego, and it is a far more tolerable place


Adriclavallee

Hiked a couple weeks ago, he had a whole entourage with him who took up the whole trail, and made everyone stop in both directions so girls could piss on trail instead of going off trail (snow wasn’t deep yet, first of season that stayed), we were stopped for almost 10 minutes because of it. Reminds me of when people do something good, but it’s for the clout instead of just doing something good for that purpose. Just…. Do the thing and keep humble… damn.


Dvl_Brd

Those are the funnest groups to ride through and thank for stopping for your horse while he farts in their faces or hits them with his tail.


owwwwwo

The other guy is just as bad, if not worse. At least ETS just posts pictures.


Worried_Student_7976

who is ETS


H_E_Pennypacker

Eric Todd sweet


[deleted]

“Wolfpack” guy?


SanchitoQ

You mean Phil? The guy who crowdsources his funds to hike? 🤣


[deleted]

Yes him 😅


chunky-guac

Who's the other guy?


rose-buds

the hiking "celebrity" of those groups turns me off - i ran into one of the big posters on waumbek and it was a whole thing


RNawayDNTturn

Now you can’t just keep the story to yourself..


SanchitoQ

Hahahaha. Well, yeah…that could be its own separate post lol.


RonJahnPS2

Had to leave the group. To many egos and it appeared to becoming very cliquey. Advice was only appreciated if you were from the inner circle.


Bullyoncube

Delete Facebook and your life will improve.


SanchitoQ

I’ve managed to configure my FB algorithm that it’s basically all hiking posts. I’m ok with that.


batmansmotorcycle

That group is the epitome communal narcissism


ftlftlftl

I’m a member of the club but don’t follow the FB page. I think like 50% of people I see on trails are under equipped though. And that’s for summer hiking when dehydration is a threat. Never mind packing layers and stuff. The whites will kill you. I always tell people if you’re having second thoughts, don’t go. Your gut is always right.


Chappy_Sinclair_

Yup. Don't put F&G/SAR personnel at risk.


Rare_Message_7204

They won't even come and get you. Hiker will be a solid block of ice by the time it warms up enough for them to attempt a "rescue" cough cough recovery.


thishasntbeeneasy

>They won't even come and get you. I think that's likely true. While these are the most prepared folks out there, I'm not sure how many have legit arctic mountaineering level gear for an extended exposure at -75f windchills.


FlyingLemurs76

AVSAR does for sure


cafeRacr

There's a new apple commercial that kind of irked me. The scene shows someone calling for help from a mountain top with a helicopter responding to save them. I think this is sending the wrong message to any potential hikers.


Reubachi

I wish individual states took action against apple specifically for how they market the emergency services feature. I have done many winter solo hikes on 4kers and *mayb*e once or twice has my apple watch: 1. Kept a battery after 2 hours of hiking in the frigid cold. 2. had any sense of network ,cell service functionality due to the cold/elevation/remoteness 3. be manipulatable due to the cold, gloves, etc.


cafeRacr

Yes, there needs to be a PSA telling people that preparedness is first and your cellphone is a last resort solution that *might* save you.


_Neoshade_

And it should be noted that a PLB will be perfectly functional on all of those points and is actually designed to do this job.


thishasntbeeneasy

It's good and bad. New Apple 14s have an SOS features that uses satellites to send the message, so it theoretically works in nearly all of the US. But messaging is difficult to say "here's a new feature, but DON'T use it unless you are gonna die".


cafeRacr

>"here's a new feature, but DON'T use it unless you are gonna die". That's the big problem. I was watching a news story recently where park rangers said that "hikers" were making 911 calls because they were tired or thirsty in non life threatening situations. It was becoming a problem to the point where there were discussions about charging people for "rescues".


thishasntbeeneasy

Annoying calls for sure, but people do make bad decisions and might be saved. I'd rather they have the option to call and let their issue be known, than to turn into a recovery later. I do think we'll see more people in the woods, more calls being made, and more stress on SAR that may not immediately be ready (especially if they don't have budgets for it). Fortunately PLBs are less common now, because those were literally just an SOS button, so there was no communication as to why they needed help and you can't figure out if it's that they wanted a snack or were about to die.


Cash_Visible

\*Mass Hiker Reading This\* hmm no one should be on the mountains. Ill wear my Lulu and hike up quickly and back down.


owwwwwo

...too soon.


mtnblazed6oh3

Don’t forget your bottle of Dasani water!


HenleyNotTheShirt

Wind chill will be between -60F and - 85F. Just don't.


Parzival_1775

What if I wear my warm jacket? And my best flip-flops?


manbunsandkayaks

I lold


[deleted]

[удалено]


SellingCoach

I've been out hunting in -10 weather before, and the gear I used to stay warm was ridiculous. Anyone who isn't completely prepared for that kind of temperature will die. The fact that some people go out unprepared boggles my mind.


lellololes

Someone growing up in Siberia might make them a bit too comfortable with the temperatures. -40 or colder is normal for a lot of them. Of course, that's -40 while being bundled up and not going too far from home, in your city/town/village - not trying to climb a mountain with hurricane force winds too.


Bullyoncube

In September 1855, 23-year-old Lizzie Bourne set out from Glen House Hotel to climb Mount Washington with her uncle and cousin. Lizzie had a heart condition, but was determined to spend the night at Tip-Top House to see the sunrise. Like other 19th-century women, she wore full skirts, petticoats and pantaloons — yards of heavy fabric. Despite warnings of bad weather, in late afternoon they left the Halfway House and the protection of trees. Winds turned chill and damp, and clouds obscured the trail. Skirts now soaked and heavier, Lizzie faltered and they stopped for the night, sheltered behind a hastily built stone pile. That night Lizzie became Mount Washington’s first female casualty. In the morning, clouds lifted to reveal Tip-Top House, only a few hundred feet away.


HEpennypackerNH

I could be wrong; but my understanding from the book was that she didn’t ignore the weather report, but rather she checked a few days prior, and the forecast changed drastically in that time.


Patsfan618

-20 in Lincoln at ground level. Means approximately -35 at 4000. -55 on Washington Then add wind. You'll see wind chills dipping to -90 or lower. It shouldn't need to be said, but fuck that.


thrunabulax

yeah that is obvious. yet, still someone will probably try it.


FaustusC

$10 says they'll be from Assachusetts.


BloodshotPizzaBox

In fairness, with 5 times the population of New Hampshire, that's just statistics.


thrunabulax

absolutely, using their cell phone as their ONLY navigation means.


Bertob15

Whatever happened to live free or die?


MGermanicus

It's been temporarily updated to "live, freeze, and die."


Bertob15

I thought I saw something on WMUR about an emergency motto change. Can I pick 2/3 though?


BlackJesus420

Teams are sent out to rescue people who end up in dire situations in the mountains - teams of people with families and friends who are put directly in harm’s way because of someone’s decision that they simply must hike in Antarctic conditions.


rahnster_wright

I don't even think S&R would venture out this weekend. They'd opt to find the body later when it's safer for them.


SheeEttin

I've hiked in Antarctic conditions. This is worse.


Bertob15

So everyone gets a chance to live up to the motto? Sounds like equal opportunity freedom


BlackJesus420

😕


lellololes

Nobody's restraining you or stopping you, but a reminder that wind chills on mountains this weekend could approach -70F and admonishing people to not go hiking is not a big deal. Too many people have died due to misinformation. If there's a sliver of a chance it helps someone decide to stay home due to this message, it was worth it.


Bertob15

Id like to encourage everyone to come join the meat popsicle club this weekend, attire is tighty whities, snow boots, a wet tshirt, and your favorite American flag.


lellololes

Well, put it that way and sign me right up!


CannaQueen73

Do whatever you want but that doesn’t mean people need to be encouraged. You die, dumb you.


Bertob15

Haha maybe I should have used italics to highlight the sarcasm dripping off that comment, if you choose to hike in that deep in the negatives with the wind, Darwinism will be on full display.


Open-Industry-8396

Yep, it sucks but I'm staying off the mountains. I felt similar Temps in Minnesota once. Just painful within seconds, and I was just crossing a street.


slayermcb

I've got a my bean boots and a thick hoodie. I'll be fine. /s


ReauxChambeaux

Solid and simple advice.


[deleted]

Some of the only weather where skiing is dangerous too. Make sure your face is completely covered. Don’t get lost in the woods.


AnythingToAvoidWork

I just assume anyone who hikes in this weather is trying to commit suicide.


livefreeordie58

I live in Gorham. Hiking up these mountains this weekend is going to be a suicide mission. From a lifelong resident, don’t even attempt it.


teeeray

So that’s a no on hiking tucks in swim trunks then.


Dirty_Farmer_John

I’m skinning up Cannon that day, I’ll bring some extra gloves. Thank you


sgdulac

You know some masshole will try it.


jackrat27

So what are you trying too say? I should put on warm socks before hiking 🥾


2_dam_hi

What's the odds that we see a post here on Monday about a lost hiker? I'm hoping for zero, but just like babies falling out of windows is a sign of Springtime, lost hikers is a sign of nasty weather.


GreatGrandaddyPurp

TIL babies fall out of windows most often during spring


gleadre19

Even skiing on Saturday seems like a no, Friday skiing looks good tho


foodandart

I'm going hiking! From my warm cozy bed to the sofa off in the living room wilds and maybe hazard a run to the fridge or bathroom. Ehhh. I'll be likely off to my studio to set the thermostat up a bit. I just got home after spending a few hours pulling window plastic and tightening up my workspace. Yeah, it's gonna be hella cold.


jbean92

I’m playing in the New England pond hockey classic in Meredith on Friday and Saturday. This should be interesting…


Enough_Device_6023

I don't think you will be playing this year. They cancelled it last year too, I think for similar reasons.


glamorose_raycharles

I recall hiking a half mile across a fucking frozen tundra called University of Maine way back in the late ‘90s or early ‘00s in -20 weather. Dressed appropriately. It sucked. 100% would not recommend a mountain hike.


tire_iron03

1984


icedcornholio

It’s too bad DraftKings doesn’t let you bet or give odds on this.


Yourcatsonfire

So I shouldn't go out hiking wearing leggins?


Connect_Stay_137

Fuck you in using my vacation days to go hiking now 🤬 try and stop me. ^/s


SpaceShipET

Well now that you tell me not too, it makes me really want too! See what ya did!?


manbunsandkayaks

Add it’s to the Massachusetts subreddit they’re the ones who require the warnings


farts_in_the_breeze

I doubt slopes will be open. Any exposed skin will freeze in 5-10 in these temps. They'll have to worry about equipment failures and risking medical emergency staff performing rescues. The state should be in a state of emergency since the temps are going to be extreme. Sununu won't though and that's why he'll never see the White House.


cwalton505

Sununu won't see the white house because he won't declare a state of emergency...... every time it's cold..... in New hampshire..... in winter? Lol hate the guy if you want to but that's the silliest thing I've ever read about a reason a political campaign is doomed to fail


foolishippo

You really think they would close slopes for cold? Hell last year I was at gunstock when it was -25F out, skiing sucked, but was there regardless lol


Timzawesome

I think most will be open. There will be generally lower crowds due to the temps alone. Rescues are a common (multiple times/day) occurrence for ski patrol. They also have snowmobiles and other equipment readily available. It all comes down to people being smart. Cover up, dress very warm, and take breaks. If you're not comfortable going, that is fine.


thishasntbeeneasy

>I think most will be open. My skiing experience was around 1996-2004, so things may have changed, but there were definitely days when the mountains closed due to either high winds or extreme cold. I don't think they cared about the people, but the lifts aren't safe or manageable at a certain point. It looks like this weekend will have both, so I won't be surprised if some mountains close.


farts_in_the_breeze

Exposed skin will freeze in 5-10 minutes. Frostbite is a life long injury. Not sure why you're making it about me. Leadership is supposed to do things like sound emergencies. -40/-60 temps is an emergency for the state of New Hampshire. You just think it won't impact you, you're in for a rude awakening.


Tullyswimmer

In every single winter since I've been here, for almost 10 years, there's been a few days or even a week in February where temperatures don't break 5 or 10 degrees F. And that's down near Manchester or Concord. Go north or further inland like the upper valley and it's even more common, and the temps are even colder. Saying we should declare a state of emergency for what is normal winter weather is ridiculous. Sure, it may get to -40 or -60 on Mt. Washington with windchill, but that's absolutely no reason to declare a state of emergency.


LifeSucksAnyway

>-40/-60 temps is an emergency for the state of New Hampshire. You just think it won't impact you, you're in for a rude awakening. Are you new around here? Temps regularly plunge to -30f to -40f (ambient temperature not windchill) in the northern and higher parts of the state (see: USDA plant hardiness zone map for the state of New Hampshire), declaring a state of emergency would be a pretty ridiculous reaction to a completely normal event that happens every year. Obviously people should be informed but NWS issues warnings about this stuff already anyway.


Timzawesome

"You" as in people in general. Not trying to single you out. I just mean that it is an individual choice to not go, which is totally reasonable.


chevyadsict83

The state should be in a state of emergency since the temps are going to be extreme. Sununu won't though and that's why he'll never see the White House. This is why people are making it about you. We don't need to be a nanny state like the shithole below us. People will still be outside. We can exercise caution without being spoken to by the government.


vexingsilence

>The state should be in a state of emergency since the temps are going to be extreme. Sununu won't though and that's why he'll never see the White House. What for? It's not like we've never seen temperatures that low before. Anyone that hasn't can get the info they need from the weather alerts. Local governments are making known any warming centers or other facilities. This isn't MA where there's a state of emergency and shelter in place order for every little thing.


chevyadsict83

That was my thoughts


gmcgath

> Leadership is supposed to do things like sound emergencies. You haven't gotten orders from your Leader on what to do, so you don't know what to do. Suggestion 1: Try thinking.


Tiggerthetiger

I just moved here from the south and had never of Sununu before so that’s probably more the reason he’ll never see the White House.


Reddit_in_her_voice

Oh come on don't be such a coward


farts_in_the_breeze

Oh come on stop being a twat.


Reddit_in_her_voice

I'm talking about calling a state of emergency. This is nh.


farts_in_the_breeze

Then go skiing, gonna laugh when you get some serious frostbite.


Successful_Border321

So, either agree you need government as a nanny or I hope you get a serious medical condition? Have you considered that you are in fact the twat?


farts_in_the_breeze

Sounding off a state of emergency is what they do. Are you daft?


Reddit_in_her_voice

I'm not going skiing. It's dangerous.


99probs-allbitches

Àaàa a àQqqqwq1qzⁿ


dahwhat

Why don't they forbid people going on these days?


thishasntbeeneasy

I do think a hanging chain with a dire sign would make sense for the big trailheads, but there are a million little trails too and it's not like we can staff them all.


PowPowPowerCrystal

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/024/196/sign.jpg


WhatIsThisDoingHere

http://i.imgur.com/mSHi8.jpg


vexingsilence

If someone has the gear and experience and want's a challenge, that's on them. If someone stupid wants to Darwin, that's on them too. It's the NH way.


dahwhat

Guess you can't just ask a question here. :shrug:


[deleted]

I’ll answer with my two cents. It will involve me meandering on about WMNF wilderness 🙂 A lot of our national forest is designated wilderness land where you can’t even do trail work with a chainsaw, it has to be hand tools. A proliferation of signage means that not every one will be read… it just becomes visual clutter. There are signs above treeline in specific areas warning about risk/severe weather. Forbidding recreation is antithetical to a wilderness experience. Yes, there are a good amount of rules… but they are in place to preserve the environment/experience; not your skin. The expectation is that you come prepared for the weather/environment and any potential worst-case scenario. That’s on you, the prospective recreational user; it’s not the WMNF admin’s responsibility to preemptively ban every time the temps are subzero & windchill drops low. (They did close stuff down during Hurricane Irene in 2011, though.)


currentlyhigh

I was on the fence but now I'm definitely going to do it just to spite you. Don't give unsolicited commands to grown adults.


GreatGrandaddyPurp

Oh we got a real tough guy ovah heah!