MauiHawk

So I really don't understand how you could have read Cluck's post, and responded like this. Everybody with direct contact or participation in the search have laid out about the same series of events with relative confidence. I think the time has come that speculating about scenarios contrary to what the rescue teams seem fairly confident in is starting to take on conspiracy theory flavor. That said, while I can understand many find it sick that people are spending so much time speculating about their demise, I don't actually think this ambulance-chasing nature of humans is a bad thing. I think what this really is is people trying to empathize. It's our ability to empathize with others that makes us care about others. Sure, there are boundaries that can be crossed in terms of repect for the lost and their families, but in my opinion very few crossed that line here (even posts that ignore facts that have been reported). Anyway, I'm leaving now, but I wanted to say thanks to the members of CascadeClimbers for putting up with us and sharing with us. I've learned a lot about climbing in addition to the tragedy by reading this thread and as frustrating as this thread may have been to some of you, I think it probably did a lot of good for the climbing community. And, of course, my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Peace.

sean, Thanks, good info. I had been under the impression that both the snowcaves had been very close together on the north side. I presume it was by following the direction of the footprints that Kelly's snowcave was discovered? Otherwise it seems pretty miraculous that it was discovered over there as it sounded like the brunt of the operation was focuses on the north face.

The poster who's brother was involved in the rescue confirmed that identification had been made.

As far as what exactly the accident was, I'm not sure its fair to speculate, but the other two already being lost unfortunately seems plauible. Knowing that they were dead, but not wanting to think about it or break the news to his family could have contributed to the "delerium" of his responses regarding them.

... or he could have already died ...

But does it makes sense that equipement would be left behind if the cave was left for good intentionally?

Realisitically, can there be much hope for at least James at this point (assuming that was his cave)? This sucks.

the " /\ " shape is visible in the snow just below the sar guy on cnn. I concur, was watching the guy digging from the apex of the /\ for five minutes and amazed that none of the talking heads mentioned it. You could even see the spindrift coming from his shovel. I wonder if you called into CNN if there's any chance they could clue the talking heads into that video.