Weather again thwarts search for Mount Hood climbers

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 12, 2006

COOPER SPUR, Ore. – Expert rescue teams equipped with ice axes, ropes and other high-altitude gear on Tuesday were once again frustrated in their efforts to locate three climbers missing on Oregon’s highest mountain since the weekend.

After battling high winds and blowing snow, search teams suspended the search for the day without success.

An Oregon National Guard helicopter was able to survey the lower half of the mountain but bad weather kept the crew from getting much higher than the 6,000-foot level on the 11,239-foot peak. Crews began coming off the mountain in the afternoon to conclude their search by dark.

Rescue teams planned to debrief and map out a search strategy for today, said a spokesman for the Hood River County sheriff.