View Full Version : Just in from the Great Smokey Mountain Association..
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 11:31
Rescue Operations Underway for Distressed AT Hiker - At 3:37 pm on Thursday, November 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dispatch received a 911 call through the Cherokee PD of a single male hiker in distress in a remote section of the Appalachian Trail somewhere between the Pecks Corner and Tricorner Knob Shelters. The call came directly from the hiker via cell phone.
Late Thursday the park ...dispatched two rangers by foot to the approximate location of the hiker to determine his exact location, assess his condition, and stabilize as needed. After a nine hour hike in steep terrain, high winds, and four to five foot snow drifts, the rangers have temporarily taken shelter in a cabin on the Appalachian Trail for a rest period. The rangers are an estimated four miles from the individual. The park is currently evaluating the possibilities of an air operation with the Tennessee Highway Patrol sometime today.
Early Friday morning Cherokee PD received another short telephone call from the hiker. He has reported that he has made it through the night by hunkering down at his location. The park is unaware of what type of shelter he has been using. He is also reporting he may not be able to walk out, but the park is unable to access his full condition based on the broken phone calls.
Any time a person attempts a hike on the AT or any other trail that person is going out there at their own risk, and they need to be prepared for all the wheather conditions and changes and they shouln't expect the rangers or Search and rescue to pull them out when things turn ugly. RED-DOG
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 13:49
I know... right? I'm surprised he didn't hear about the storm coming. It happens.
The Cleaner
11-02-2012, 13:56
If more hikers would carry a small radio w/NOAA weather bands, they would be able to keep aware of changing weather conditions.Many times I've met hikers who knew nothing about bad weather heading their way....
Feral Bill
11-02-2012, 14:28
We have no idea what this persons problem is, or when they set out. Lets judge after we have the facts
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 15:06
An air operation just launched at 2:00 pm in an attempt to locate, and, if safe, to extract a distressed hiker with a hoist. The hiker has been identified as Steven Ainsworth, 56, from Washington North Carolina.
If winds are too high for a hoist operation an attempt will instead be made to drop supplies to the site if conditions allow.
Air operations are based out of Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport
UPDATE ON HIKER ..............
Llama Legs
11-02-2012, 15:21
this guy?
http://www.wdnweb.com/2012/06/23/washington-man-begins-epic-journey/
The Solemates
11-02-2012, 15:43
this guy?
http://www.wdnweb.com/2012/06/23/washington-man-begins-epic-journey/
appears to be the one
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=395311
Studlintsean
11-02-2012, 15:48
Looks like it might be him. Hope everything turns out alright.
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 16:26
Stranded Hiker Rescued from Backcountry
Steven Ainsworth, 56, of Washington, NorthCarolina was successfully airlifted from the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this afternoon. Ainsworth had become stranded on a remote section of the trail as a result of the snow storm that blanketed higher elevations of the park earlier this week.
At 2:54 pm, a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter that had been called in to assist rangers with search and rescue efforts was able to retrieve Ainsworth from the Park’s backcountry and transport him to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevierville, Tennessee. From there, he was taken by ambulance to LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville for medical evaluation.
GREAT NEWS!!!
Pedaling Fool
11-02-2012, 16:44
Rescue Operations Underway for Distressed AT Hiker - At 3:37 pm on Thursday, November 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dispatch received a 911 call through the Cherokee PD of a single male hiker in distress in a remote section of the Appalachian Trail somewhere between the Pecks Corner and Tricorner Knob Shelters. The call came directly from the hiker via cell phone.
Late Thursday the park ...dispatched two rangers by foot to the approximate location of the hiker to determine his exact location, assess his condition, and stabilize as needed. After a nine hour hike in steep terrain, high winds, and four to five foot snow drifts, the rangers have temporarily taken shelter in a cabin on the Appalachian Trail for a rest period. The rangers are an estimated four miles from the individual. The park is currently evaluating the possibilities of an air operation with the Tennessee Highway Patrol sometime today.
Early Friday morning Cherokee PD received another short telephone call from the hiker. He has reported that he has made it through the night by hunkering down at his location. The park is unaware of what type of shelter he has been using. He is also reporting he may not be able to walk out, but the park is unable to access his full condition based on the broken phone calls.
Stranded Hiker Rescued from Backcountry
Steven Ainsworth, 56, of Washington, NorthCarolina was successfully airlifted from the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this afternoon. Ainsworth had become stranded on a remote section of the trail as a result of the snow storm that blanketed higher elevations of the park earlier this week.
At 2:54 pm, a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter that had been called in to assist rangers with search and rescue efforts was able to retrieve Ainsworth from the Park’s backcountry and transport him to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevierville, Tennessee. From there, he was taken by ambulance to LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville for medical evaluation.
GREAT NEWS!!!
So in the OP it somewhat makes it soud like he was in distress, such as an injury or something, then in the 10th post of his rescue it sounds like he just got snowed in; I wouldn't exactly call that "in distress".
I know, still lacking details, but really curious now of them details.
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 17:14
^ I know what you are saying^... I'm curious about the details 2. I'm glad he's safe now! :)
joshuasdad
11-02-2012, 17:43
From the journal, he was a very fit hiker that was planning on slackpacking the whole 31 miles on Sunday from Davenport Gap to Newfound Gap, but called it off due to Sandy. Presumably, he went up there later fully geared instead. I'm betting on an injury of some type, combined with exhaustion from the longest sustained uphill section on the entire AT. He had probably done 6000+ of vertical up prior to the location of the injury.
Snowleopard
11-02-2012, 19:20
From his trailjournal, he's a SOBO who started June 19. It looks like he had been slackpacking for a while.
Hiking through 5' drifts is exhausting in the extreme. It's ok if it's just a short drift, but if you have to go through 4' or 5' of fresh snow for any distance without snowshoes you won't get far before exhaustion. Even with snowshoes, you'd want a strong group to help you break trail.
On Mt. Leconte yesterday the high was 25F and the low was 15F. Some of the trails on Leconte were impassable because of rhododendrons. It sounds like he's very lucky to survive. The rangers who were hiking in to him deserve a lot of praise and gratitude.
If more hikers would carry a small radio w/NOAA weather bands, ....
What would you suggest?
joshuasdad
11-02-2012, 20:04
More information here: http://www.wbir.com/news/article/240315/2/Stranded-Appalachian-Trail-hiker-has-been-rescued
It turns out that he likely left on Monday, then was trapped by additional snow that fell:
He said when he set out, he was expecting about six inches of snow. Instead, he faced snow depths of 4 to 5 feet in places. He was actually stuck for several days before being able to call for help.
I have this section scheduled for Thanksgiving week. My wife is pretty close to deciding otherwise...
ellisend
11-02-2012, 20:06
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
Slo-go'en
11-02-2012, 20:41
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
Hard tell'en, Not know'en.
I did hear on the news tonight that there could be another Nor'easter on it's way which might hit the mid-alantic states come Wensday. I'd guess winter is coming on quick and in a big way. The party may well be over.
As for the unfortunate distressed hiker - he should have turned back well before getting stuck out on that ridge. The going must have been brutal well before that point. Will have to wait and see what he has to say about it when and if he gets the chance.
HikerMom58
11-02-2012, 21:08
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
After watching the video just posted about the rescued hiker spending the night in chest deep snow, I'd say it's winter is here to stay in the Smokies. And like Slo-go'en said, there might be more on the way. :eek:
joshuasdad
11-02-2012, 21:24
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
Based on the NWS maps, it looks like there is little to no snow south of Fontana Dam on the trail. You could leap forward to there, and enjoy the end of fall in Southern NC and Georgia. Because this is the result of a hurricane, it is somewhat likely that you would be considered a 2,000 miler even without finishing Hot Springs to Fontana. Last year, the entire state of Vermont was closed because of Irene, this situation is very similar.
You can always finish up that section later as well. Would make a great vacation week (like 7-9 days).
SawnieRobertson
11-03-2012, 12:32
My guess is that he truly believed he could make it. We all do that even in "real life." Sometimes it turns out that we were mistaken. I hope he has no injuries (frostbite) that will prevent his returning to the trail and finishing his trek this year. I'll help him out by praying for no more snow storms for the next 200+ miles.
I hope he can finish his SOBO HIKE he only had a couple weeks left to completion. How disappointing as a SOBO hiker you think all the snow will be behind you in october!!
Had a simalar storm in the first week of May in the smokies in 1992 or 1993 when over 60 inches of snow fell and a number of hikers were stuck for days in the shelters.
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
Since it's been in the high 60's in Gatlinburg I'm sure there's been quite a bit of melting on the trail. That's likely to freeze over night so there'll be quite a bit of ice, but with crampons, and barring another deep snow, hikers should be able to make it through
The Cleaner
11-03-2012, 17:24
What would you suggest? ....Sangean DT-400W....AM-FM...7 weather bands,uses 2AA batteries ,about the size of a pack of cigarettes@ a 4-5+ounces....
The Cleaner
11-03-2012, 17:28
Since it's been in the high 60's in Gatlinburg I'm sure there's been quite a bit of melting on the trail. That's likely to freeze over night so there'll be quite a bit of ice, but with crampons, and barring another deep snow, hikers should be able to make it through..Even though it's warmer in G'burg,it's usually 20 degrees cooler up at the high country+winds.Seems like I've been out in windy 40* weather and it seemed colder than a still 32* day w/sun...
WILLIAM HAYES
11-03-2012, 18:40
hiking in snow that deep will wear you out. when I did this section many years ago we had drifts up to 4-5 feet in some areas going SOBO the likelihood is that no one broke trail and he had to do a lot of postholing which grinds you down .I also found it difficult in some sections to see the trail .A hiker was air lifted by the Tenn Air National Guard due to hypothermia the year I did the Smokies. He did the right thing by hunkering down and getting help pixs of this section are in my gallery
Hillbilly
Jan LiteShoe
11-03-2012, 20:13
We were out hiking around Hot Springs during this period. Even when the snow wasn't deep, the tangle of "low-downs," sprawling rhododendrons across the trail, made several sections really difficult. Add on the heavier snows of higher elevations and I could see really getting into a mess that quickly became impossible to traverse with the way closing up behind a person too as rhodies weighed down and created, in effect, a trap. Glad he's okay.
Odd Man Out
11-04-2012, 11:58
There was a story about this on ABC GMA today (Sunday). They showed the video of the rescue and an interview with the hiker. He is fine. He said he realized he couldn't hike out when it took 8 hrs to hike 1.25 miles. The helicopter followed those foot prints to find him.
http://gma.yahoo.com/video/news-26797925/life-or-death-rescue-of-trapped-hiker-caught-on-video-31038615.html
Alleghanian Orogeny
11-04-2012, 14:51
Had a simalar storm in the first week of May in the smokies in 1992 or 1993 when over 60 inches of snow fell and a number of hikers were stuck for days in the shelters.
If you are recalling "The Storm of the Century", it was on or around March 13, 1993. Five to eight feet of snow plus drifts in the Smokies and Blue Ridge, hurricane force winds, record low barometric pressure in the storm's center, massive wind and rain damage in the Florida panhandle, massive power outages all the way up the Appalachians, and a great many hikers stranded in GSMNP, including a large group of Boy Scouts. Some were stranded for 5 days.
AO
Odd Man Out
11-04-2012, 16:06
If you are recalling "The Storm of the Century", it was on or around March 13, 1993. Five to eight feet of snow plus drifts in the Smokies and Blue Ridge, hurricane force winds, record low barometric pressure in the storm's center, massive wind and rain damage in the Florida panhandle, massive power outages all the way up the Appalachians, and a great many hikers stranded in GSMNP, including a large group of Boy Scouts. Some were stranded for 5 days.
I recall that one. Because it was a weekend in mid march, there were a lot of spring break travelers en route between the midwest and FL who got caught.
If you are recalling "The Storm of the Century", it was on or around March 13, 1993. Five to eight feet of snow plus drifts in the Smokies and Blue Ridge, hurricane force winds, record low barometric pressure in the storm's center, massive wind and rain damage in the Florida panhandle, massive power outages all the way up the Appalachians, and a great many hikers stranded in GSMNP, including a large group of Boy Scouts. Some were stranded for 5 days.
AO
No the storm that came in May was a different storm. It was at elevations in the smokies above 4500 feet. No snow at 3000 feet and from 40-62 inches of snow from 4500 - 6600 feet.
If you are recalling "The Storm of the Century", it was on or around March 13, 1993. Five to eight feet of snow plus drifts in the Smokies and Blue Ridge, hurricane force winds, record low barometric pressure in the storm's center, massive wind and rain damage in the Florida panhandle, massive power outages all the way up the Appalachians, and a great many hikers stranded in GSMNP, including a large group of Boy Scouts. Some were stranded for 5 days.
AO
May 8, 1992 61 inches of snow recorded at Mt. Mitchell no snow at lower elevations
Alleghanian Orogeny
11-05-2012, 10:23
May 8, 1992 61 inches of snow recorded at Mt. Mitchell no snow at lower elevations
I did not recall local (Raleigh, NC) reporting of the May '92 event. I suppose pretty much anybody in the Smokies got nailed.
The March 1993 event was, as noted by Odd Man Out, on a weekend, with lots of colleges and public school systems on Spring Break, hence the number of hiking groups of school-age kids in the GSMNP. My Appalachian State roomie, who never left the mountains after we graduated, lived on an exposed ridge in Blowing Rock during the '93 storm. He said it was worse than Hurricane Hugo in 1989. He was fearful for his, his wife's, and their 10 year-old daughter's lives, as trees were crashing down, jackstrawing on and around their house, with electric transformers blowing and wires sizzling. With drifts so deep and trees down everywhere, he realized an injury or fire would leave them without help from first responders for many hours.
"Let's be careful out there"
AO
smkymtnmagic
11-05-2012, 12:14
Hummm, I wonder if Les Stoud could teach us something ( Survivor Man )
Tipi Walter
11-05-2012, 13:04
Seeking advice for southbound thru-hikers currently near Hot Springs stuck in snow and cold. What is the general opinion of waiting a week or two and trying to finish? Is this big snow likely to melt and the trail become hike-able, or is winter socked in for good?
This waiting could be done as zero days in a tent, either on the ridge or on a side trail off the ridge a couple thousand feet.
Had a simalar storm in the first week of May in the smokies in 1992 or 1993 when over 60 inches of snow fell and a number of hikers were stuck for days in the shelters.
Someone needs to write a book about the Blizzard of '93 and the backpackers affected, namely those in the Park and the involved rescue of the Cranbrook School stuck in the Citico wilderness.
I did not recall local (Raleigh, NC) reporting of the May '92 event. I suppose pretty much anybody in the Smokies got nailed.
The March 1993 event was, as noted by Odd Man Out, on a weekend, with lots of colleges and public school systems on Spring Break, hence the number of hiking groups of school-age kids in the GSMNP. My Appalachian State roomie, who never left the mountains after we graduated, lived on an exposed ridge in Blowing Rock during the '93 storm. He said it was worse than Hurricane Hugo in 1989. He was fearful for his, his wife's, and their 10 year-old daughter's lives, as trees were crashing down, jackstrawing on and around their house, with electric transformers blowing and wires sizzling. With drifts so deep and trees down everywhere, he realized an injury or fire would leave them without help from first responders for many hours.
"Let's be careful out there"
AO
I was living outside Boone in Sugar Grove in a tipi during the '93 blizzard. It was the best of times since Syphilization shut down for a week and we were back at 10,000 BC just long enough to get my sanity back. Here's a pic of the storm and my lodge---
http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/BooneYears/Tipi-Life/i-w9kZLgs/0/L/Tipi%20in%20the%20Blizzard%20of%20%2793-L.jpg
Blizzard of '93. What was much worse was the "arctic outbreak" of January 1985 when Boone got hit with high winds and -30F ambient temps. Yes, that's minus 30F.
I hope he can finish his SOBO HIKE he only had a couple weeks left to completion. How disappointing as a SOBO hiker you think all the snow will be behind you in october!!
He appears to be recuperating and recovering mentally and physically. If I were him, I'd wait until spring and if fully OK then, start from Springer and finish up at the rescue spot. Reckon I'll post a note to his TJ to that effect. Unlikely, I'd think, that the conditions will be friendly out there again for several months. As long as he finished by mid-June, he's a thru.
I've been reading his journal for a while and hadn't seen it in a couple weeks. I figured I'd be reading about his completion, didn't think of him getting stuck in the the Sandy snows. Glad he's OK.
MedicineWoman2012
11-05-2012, 15:43
We met him while we were training Nov 2011 during some brutal temps between Roan and Elk Park...10F was the lows but wind chill more like -30F. He had his platypus and crosstrainers with bags...wool gloves with outter shell protection nothing fancy for outerwear just shell and poly stuff underneath. He was moving on with lekis ..solo. He was keeping a pretty good pace even in his training hikes. I didnt realize his intentions were to hike southbound..I remember he was really zealous about the thru and up beat for those temps with limited protection on at that time. I was pretty impressed for someone straight off our outer banks being that I am also from outerbanks of NC.
Snowleopard
11-05-2012, 18:39
He has updated his trailjournal to include his time in the snow: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=395671
From the picture of his gear in the shelter (Tricorner Knob Shelter?), he was more lightly equipped than I would prefer for winter. Still, many thru-hikers aren't better prepared and make it through fine.
Water was in short supply; he didn't have enough fuel to melt enough snow for the time he was stuck. This might have been a good time to carry a shovel (to clear a dry space for a wood fire) or a wood stove.