The transition from summer to winter can be a hazardous time in the alpine zones of Katahdin. The weather can change quickly and with ferocity from quiet calm fall air to winter conditions with snow, sleet, freezing rain and high winds. In 1963, Katahdin hiker Irene Ivusic and Park Ranger Ralph Heath lost their lives on Katahdin in an unpredicted and severe snowstorm on October 29.
During this time of year, we recommend all hikers be prepared for winter conditions, determine and stick to a turn-around time and be prepared for self-rescue as response times for Ranger rescue may be 12 hours or more.
