CONTACT:
Lt. Bradley Morse: (603)744-5470
CO Joseph Canfield: (603)744-5470
March 30, 2020
Waterville Valley, NH – On March 26, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers responded to assist two hikers who called 911 after losing the trail with impending dusk.
Brittany Lasala-Diamond, 27, of North Attleboro, MA, and Vanessa Serio, 33, of Sarasota, FL, reportedly lost the trail while navigating a river crossing on their descent from the summit of Mt. Whiteface in Waterville Valley. The hikers, who were navigating with the use of “All-Trails” app of their phone, however were unsure of their bearings and how to return to the trail prompting their call for assistance.
The pair were properly equipped with microspikes and warm clothing, but they did not have a map and compass nor headlamps, requiring the initiation of the rescue response. Limited cellular service in the area hampered efforts to direct the pair back to the trail. On arrival of first responders, both hikers had relocated the trail and completed the descent without further assistance.
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds hikers that although the valleys are rapidly losing snow cover, the mountains have substantial snow pack and winter-like conditions and encourage hikers to be properly prepared.
New Hampshire Fish and Game is a self-funded agency which relies heavily upon volunteer rescue groups to complete the mission of search and rescue in the woodlands of the state. The public is encouraged to help support search and rescue activities in the state by purchasing a Hike Safe Card. New Hampshire Fish and Game also reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For additional information, please visit www.hikeSafe.com.
No further information available at this time.