finger of fate

Oops sorry, missed that Lambone. The tent was in an area above Paradise in the the big area that cleared off with the melt-off. Sent the tent scraps to Black Diamond to get an approximate age, just for shits and grins, and they said it was a 12-15 year old model, but that means absolutely nothing about anything. Not sure where the axe was, somewhere above the lift since that was my main jump-off point. Stuff started turning up, climbing stuff with that melt-off. Also a USGS glaciologist found some cool stuff too as I recall. OK, back to work for me.

We thought we would find a bunch of the lost bodies two summers ago when we had the biggest thaw, but there weren't many finds. Everytime I hauled off discarded, full, blue bags I was thinking I'd find something bigger in newly exposed areas. With the exception of an old collapsed/shredded Bibler tent and an old axe, I found nuthin'

That's what I thought... thanks

Good Job! This was probably needed a while ago... A question for anyone out there, I already asked it but didn't get (or didn't see) a response. Does anyone know how much experience any of the three guys had specifically on Hood? Ciao

I did a bit of searching in the times I haven't been on here as one of my two identities and couldn't find an answer to my question, so sorry if it has already been answered... And not that this makes a difference, but I was just curious, again nothing is being insinuated! I am wondering how much time any of them had on Hood? Thanks...

Actually, I think the sheriff said it "looked" like it had been cut by a knife. He didn't know for sure.

It's off its rocker.

I might be wrong, but didn't I see something about a 2:00 pm press conference today?

Clavote speaks wisely and from experience. I concur!

mcmedved, No worries, been dealing with this exact topic and the general climbing public for a couple of decades now. And frankly, I agree with you, unfortunately what we/I am seeing more often (and it doesn't necessarily apply to the three we are discussing) are the people who have the best gear, some experience, some a LOT of experience, but just not quite prepared for Mt. Hood in the winter. And it's amazing how many climbers begin a climb when there is a storm predicted. There is some thought that an impending storm attracts some people - based on numbers of climbers who sign the register - and not all do. But I agree with you - if you are prepared, vigilant and the conditions permit for a winter climb... Climb on! (and by the way, those people I try to convince out of climbing who end up being rescued - I never tell them "I told you so." because I see a lesson learned without the scolding - and I see myself in them too!)

mcmedved, the winter climbing numbers are far fewer on the mtn than the rest of the year too

Not saying people don't climb it, but either as my role as climbing ranger in the past, or wilderness ranger, or climber it was not a recommended time to climb Mt. Hood. But plenty of people do it, myself included, but we took bigger risks and I had/have plenty of climbing partners who won't go on it in the winter. And it makes sense, not that I have always followed the path of good sense!

Texan, Actually, one of the traits which circumvents a GCS score is a repetitive motion combined with habit. And in some tests, cell phones were precisely the activities which were able to be completed when a person's GCS score was low. Think about it, how often do you dial a frequently called cell number, or speed dial. You need the lowest amount of thinking, hand-eye coordination and motor skills to complete the action. But good way to bring up the topic.

climberwanttobe, That's why Mt. Hood is not a safe place to climb in the winter. The weather is almost guaranteed to be wet, cold, windy, and predictably unpredictable. Guaranteed. A cell phone, sat phone, or radio will work, but no one can get to you. Modern technology sometimes makes us seem closer than we really are, sometimes that's good and sometimes it's not so good.

"questions" should be "situations"

bridgermtn, being wet and cold in the conditions we've had here the past two weeks is par for the course, no gear made can keep you dry in these questions for an extended period of time. You get wet just by being outside and breathing and wearing gear, even gear that "breathes."

Think you're right Mt. Hood History. Lost track a LONG TIME AGO of how many people have veered mistakenly towards Zigzag Cyn. It has been happening for decades. In fact, that's one of the ways to guage how well prepared someone climbing the mountain really is. Any future climbers would be wise to study this commonly made mistake. You can chalk up a lot of lives to this mistake.

I'll start with potential responses based on personal experience and then others will undoubtedly add to it: 1 - aerial extraction and flown directly to a hospital (attached to line and raised since chinook won't be able to land). Rescuers will then more than likely climb down.

I'm not able to view a TV right now, could someone tell me if they lowered people near the location of the possible cave, or will they be required to climb up or down to it?

JayB, You might be right, however this discussion is providing timely info on a particular subject - "3 Lost on Mount Hood," and other conversation distracts from it. Plus there are other boards here which directly address gear topics. If it's not separated, then it's almost impossible to stay up on the different topics. Does that make sense? This is a typical problem or scenario which develops, but not a big deal if people stay on topic.

Yep, you're right, wrong place to discuss radios, sorry.

Zeta Male - yes, there are many many very small portable HAM radios, and have been for the past almost 15 years. I personally never go on an extended climb, run, or ride without my Yaesu VX-7R triple band submersible transceiver. They are mostly all milspec now too. I can't tell you how many times it has outperformed other pieces of commo gear. In my mind it is a basic necessity. Better than any radio people have with them. But then, being "out there" is a regular part of my work and play life, so I'm a bit more anal about my communications.

Stranger good point - "The real mountains are not a Hollywood studio. Why would you even ask to sacrifice a new life for someone who chose to die? " When my team prepares to leave for a potential/hopeful rescue, I ask them to make sure that each move they/we make includes the potential impact it will have on those waiting for us and those who might need to help us. Same thing is done in the wildland firefighting world.

Well... with the winds as they are, any recent snow accumulation could have been blown off of, for instance, a frozen rope set down earlier.

I'm as much a Faux hater as anyone, but as someone who manages information on incidents of varying types, I have learned that the local FOX stations don't always have the same political lean as the national FOX station (being polite) - but the local PDX station certainly hasn't been very careful with its reporting in this situation... Just another case of reporters not understanding their topic - been a lot of that happening lately hasn't there? I am often blown away by the difference in written statements given to the media and what I actually see and hear on TV & radio. You wouldn't believe it...