Also, ascend Cooper Spur (car left at Cooper Spur Ski Area). Descend to Timberline Lodge where meeting friends on Dec. 9. When that didn't happen, authorities notified.
Sorry if this is obvious...
Seems like they were ditching some of the heavier/bulkier items. If they were going to head down to Timberline as planned, they wouldn't need as much rope (assuming they had more than they left.)