NH Hiker Saved In Snow Cave In White Mountains

FRANCONIA, NH — A Loudon man was rescued atop Mount Lafayette Friday after he was caught in whiteout conditions and sought refuge in a snow cave, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. Robert Cummings, 25, of Loudon, started hiking the summit at about 7 a.m. when he saw a snowstorm move in. He tried to turn back but was overcome by 40 mph wind and zero visibility, according to Fish and Game Lt. James Kneeland.

Cummings sent a Facebook message from his phone: "send help, stuck by cairn on Old Bridle in alpine between hut and Lafayette Summit. Wind took map and compass white out conditions." He then built himself a cave in the snow and hid as the storm raged.

Friends of Cummings who his Facebook post notified Fish and Game at about 10 a.m. Cummings was able to text a search crew and they reached him at about 4:30 p.m. He was not hurt.

"As a reminder winter conditions have arrived in the White Mountains," Kneeland said.

Photo: Robert Cummings (center) is rescued atop Mount Lafayette by New Hampshire Fish and Game crews Dec. 14, 2018. (Credit: New Hampshire Fish and Game)