MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont State Police are reminding hikers that they may encounter snow and ice at higher elevations and should be equipped for winter conditions this time of year.
Authorities say spring showers at lower elevations can be a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain in the mountains. They say the snowpack at higher elevations keeps the temperature cool and make trails difficult to follow.
The warning comes after two hikers had to be rescued last week after hiking in deep snow on Mount Mansfield.
Police say hikers may need waterproof boots with traction devices, extra layers of warm clothes, a headlamp, map and compass. They also recommend that hikers turn around if they hit icy or snow-covered trails and are not properly equipped or if travel becomes difficult.
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