FRANCONIA - Conservation officers trekked late into the night to bring a Maine hiker to safety, after he became stranded in deep snow on Franconia Ridge, according to Fish and Game.

Evan Embrey, 24, of Buxton, Maine had been hiking the ridge Friday and later in the day called his family to say he was tired and stuck in deep snow, "after being blown from the trail," said Fish and Game Lt. James Kneeland.

"Mr. Embrey had broken his snowshoes and had become stranded in deep snow when he made a call on his cell phone to family in Maine to report his predicament," Kneeland said.

Embrey was instructed to call 911 on his cell phone so that coordinates could be used to determine his location. Two conservation officers were sent up to the ridge with a pair of snowshoes to help him get off the mountain.

"Mr. Embrey had stayed warm by climbing into a sleeping bag until rescuers arrived," Kneeland said. "The trio then was able to negotiate their way back to the trailhead in Franconia Notch. Winds were estimated at 40 to 50 mph and visibility was at five feet or less due to blowing snow."

Embrey was prepared for the winter hike and had planned to be out overnight, according to Kneeland. He had also left a wilderness trip itinerary with family member, which assisted conservation officers with their search.

"Hikers need to be able to turn back when faced with weather conditions beyond their abilities," Kneeland said. "Winter hikers especially, should always hike with a companion."