Search Ongoing For Mass. Teen Missing In White Mountains

CONCORD, N.H. – A search in New Hampshire’s White Mountains has been ongoing since Sunday for a missing 17-year-old. Scott Mason of Halifax, Mass., left the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at approximately 8:30 on Saturday morning, intending to do a 17-mile hike. Mason was hiking alone. His plans included hiking to the summits of Mount Washington and Mount Madison, then returning to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Mason’s plan was to complete the trip in one day. It is unknown what type of clothing and gear he is carrying.

The conditions in the high country currently include waist-deep snow with the potential for avalanches. Heavy rains overnight Sunday and Monday morning have added to the difficulty of the search, with resulting high water making stream crossings extremely difficult. The temperatures have been mild, remaining in the 40s overnight.

Currently the NH Fish and Game Department is coordinating the search. The U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Mountain Club, Mountain Rescue Service and Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue are rendering additional assistance.

No further information is available at this time.

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The hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code (below) applies to all those enjoying New Hampshire’s outdoors. It says, you are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

* With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
* To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
* To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
* To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
* For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
* To share the hiker code with others.

For further information on being safe while hiking, visit http://www.hikesafe.com.