CONTACT:
Sgt. Heidi Murphy
603-271-3361
February 18, 2025

Franconia, NH – At 12:15 p.m., on Sunday, February 16, 2025, the NH Fish and Game Department was notified of two climbers who had requested assistance. The climbers were involved in an avalanche off Cannon Cliffs in Franconia State Park. A male and female climber had planned to ice climb the Black Dike climbing route and began to hike that morning at 8:00 a.m. from the Lafayette Campground parking lot. Once the pair reached the base of the climbing route, the snow gave away underneath them causing an avalanche. The male slid approximately 300 feet before coming to a stop and was partially buried. The female, who was uninjured was able to call 911. While on the phone with 911, she was able to locate her friend waving downslope. Eventually she was able to hike down to the male and offered assistance out of the snow. Though the male suffered injuries, the pair was able to slowly self-evacuate toward the trail.

Members of the volunteer Pemi Search and Rescue Team were driven to the trail via snowmachine by a NH Conservation Officer and members of the Cannon Mountain Ski Patrol. Initial contact with the climbers was made by the rescue team at approximately 1:45 p.m. The climbers were identified as Vincent Lapointe, 31, of Montgomery Center, VT, and Zephi Friel, 36, of Concord, NH. The climbers were given a ride by snowmobile back to the awaiting Littleton Ambulance, arriving at 1:52 p.m. Though Lapointe suffered an unknown injury, he refused medical assistance and chose to be driven to the hospital by Friel.

For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.