Two hikers who triggered an avalanche on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington were rescued Sunday.
According to the Associated Press, the avalanche carried the hikers 800 feet over rocks, cliffs and ice before they were rescued and treated for non-life-threating injuries.
Due to low visibility, the pair got separated from fellow hikers and made a wrong turn which unknowingly led them into an avalanche area known as “the Lip.” That triggered the avalanche that carried them to the bottom of Tuckerman Ravine, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Saturday night, just after 8:00 p.m., the call for help came in. Snow Ranger Jeff Lane, a member of the rescue party, tells the Union Leader that it was a miracle they survived and their injuries were not worse.
One hiker suffered a broken arm and both had some trauma injuries.
"The snow they were in may have actually provided some padding," Lane said. "They were very, very lucky."
Forest Service officials remind winter and spring hikers to be aware of the dangers of creating an avalanche if they get stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time.