randita

That article says the "horseshoe shaped" object looked like it could be rope. If something like rope is visible from the air now, wouldn't it have to be placed there recently -- after it had stopped snowing within the past day or two? In fact, wouldn't anything on top of the snow that could be seen have to have been placed there recently because if it were placed there days ago, wouldn't it be covered by snow? We have reports of a "wishbone shaped" object and a "horseshoe shaped" object. My guess is that they're one in the same with just different words being used to describe the same object.

From KATU.com: "December 17, 2006 - Portland, Oregon Major developments expected Sunday in search for climbers, officials say HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) - Search teams headed for the summit of Mount Hood on Sunday, hoping to find the snow cave where one of three missing climbers made a distress call a week ago as well as any other signs of the stranded mountaineers. Rescue official also said Sunday that air search teams had spotted some "positive" signs that are helping them narrow their search to specific areas on the mountain. Capt. Christopher Bernard, of the Air Force Reserve's 304th Rescue Squadron, wouldn't say exactly what was spotted, other than it is "climbing specific." Search teams are headed to those areas where indicators where found. More at katu.com

I'm a newbie, so pardon my ignorance. Is there any significance to a "wishbone shape"? Is it a symbol meant to convey a specific message like SOS?

Re: Ruedi "One more thing: the media keeps mentioning that they stashed their gear. Why would they stash their gear if their route was up and over the mountain. " I think the confusion comes from info in one of the notes they left which said they had extra supplies stashed in their truck or something like that (check around for the exact wording in the note). People have been speculating why they would mention that and suggested that they meant to say that they stashed supplies for their return route down the mountain.

Re: Michale Layton "I don't worry about it. PNW climbers, especially the regulars on this website, are generally extra surly and xenophobic. that's all. we're just afraid that the MAN will now force us to do shit we don't want to do, or make certain activities illegal b/c of the extra attention." Last week O'Reilly had a segment where he argued that point with a writer/editor? of Outdoors mag. O'Reilly basically asserted that climbing mountains in winter conditions should be banned. How silly! Made me think of all the other high risk recreational activitie, including just plain old skiing that are high risk and could require extensive rescue operations if something goes wrong.

See most recent post by elleth. Indicates first rescue team met very adverse conditions and had to take cover for a while. Probably why there's been no news.

Video of morning news conference from KATU in Portland here: http://www.katu.com/home/ondemand/video There is really good information about where the various SAR teams are heading, air support, and the rescue plan in general.

Latest report from Oregononian: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/116624133335190.xml&coll=7 An all out assault in the plans, should weather permit today.

MSNBC reporting that C-130 with IR flew over at 8,000, 10,000 and 12,500 feet and detected no sign of hikers. Story acknowledges that IR could not pick up thermal hits if men still in a snow cave. Full story here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16220398/