Maybe, but we are alive. She was a fool and her husband is worse.
If they were the outdoor enthusiasts the articles say they are, they would have checked the local weather before setting out, it is just plain common sense. This is what the forecast from the avalanche center would have told them for the 16th and 17th.
16th
WEATHER: Mt. Washington will truly be putting on a show today and tomorrow. Its well-earned reputation for harsh winter weather will be on display, and I’d recommend taking a seat away from the action for this show. We only received a few inches of 10% snow from yesterday’s storm. Honestly, it was quite a disappointment. If we’re lucky we might get 1-2” (2.5-5cm) more during the morning hours, but any lingering snow showers will have wrapped up by afternoon. Temperatures will be falling today, reaching -35F (-37C) on the summit overnight. During this time, wind speeds will be rising quickly up to the 100mph (161kph) mark with gusts possibly reaching 125mph (201kph). These conditions are not to be taken lightly. I encourage you to be judicious in your choice of adventure today. Even if your plan is to stay well below treeline today, bring plenty of warm clothes and extra food and water.
17th
WEATHER: Probably the more prevalent danger than today’s avalanche problem is the high wind and cold temperatures. The last four hourly observations on the summit show NNW winds blowing steadily from 105-119 mph with gusts as high as 131 mph. Temperatures will warm slightly to -15F and wind will diminish some to the 70-90 mph range later this afternoon but expect extremely challenging conditions above tree line until then. Even below tree line, the danger of frostbite is real this morning. Falling trees and branches present a real risk and drifting on trails will slow progress. Gusts at Hermit Lake are testing the cabin’s construction and remind me of tornadoes and hurricanes that I have experienced. Jeff and I had to cut our way through two live downed trees on the Tuckerman Ravine trail to get to Hermit Lake. It is not nice day out.
Front was coming thru and the winds were gusting that I could barely stand. They closed the road sometime after we entered. Can't imagine 100+ that she experienced. Mt Washington shows up to 120 the past 24 hrs. A miserable way to die, but she was probably unconscious. I have posted this link before, it is one of the best descriptions of meeting the end from the cold that I have read.
