CLS

New update by the Forest Service is confusing - says there is 2 feet of snow at South Climb trailhead - then says road is open Update for July 4, 2008 CLIMBING ROUTE INFORMATION This winter's snowpack is 150% to 200% of normal depending on elevation. Currently there is 2 feet of snow at the South Climb Trailhead. Please prepare for winter-like conditions at high elevation. Currently we are recommending the Suksdorf Ridge route for your climb due to cornices on the east side of the Crescent Ridge. Do not climb in hazardous weather. Help is a very long time coming and cannot get to you in poor weather. Review forecasts by the National Weather Service and any special postings by the NW Weather and Avalanche Center prior to any mountaineering. ROAD CONDITIONS The road to Cold Springs, the South Climb Trailhead, is open to the parking lot. The lower part of the parking lot can be used at this time.

I agree. If they had GPS - why not use it to take a reading back to Timberline on the way up? I'm an old fogey, but we always used to take a compass reading back to Timberline. Same thing in the old days on the Dogs Head route on Mt. St. Helens. Very easy to follow the fall line down in a whiteout. It sounds like: (a) they never took a reading to Timberline, or (b) if they had one they didn't believe their equipment & over-compensated.

Mr. Moore - Very good basic explanation. I agree with most of your post, but I would consider the Sunshine Route more technical than Cooper Spur. Depending on the year, navigating through the crevasses can be tricky. Cooper Spur is very steep, but straight-forward. I would rather descend Cooper Spur (being very careful at the top) with a heavy load or injured climber than zig-zag my way through crevasses & over uncertain snow bridges. I must admit that I was a bit pessimistic at first, but the more I learn about these climbers the more optimistic I am. Given adequate clothing and a little food, they should be able to make it if they are indeed in a snow cave. Let's hope the SAR guys can get higher on Sunday.