3 Climbers Stranded on Mount Hood

Fast-moving snowstorm traps climbers who fell from a ledge.

Weather permitting, rescue workers will begin evacuation efforts at first light today for 3 climbers who fell from a ledge on Mount Hood and then found themselves trapped by a weather system that unexpectedly brought a heavy snowstorm down on the 11,249 foot highest mountain in Oregon.

The 3 stranded climbers were part of a group of 8 climbers that began descending Mount Hood in whiteout conditions at approximately 8,000 feet and accidentally fell off of a ledge on Sunday. The other 5 climbers were rescued late Sunday afternoon after calling authorities on their cell phones and all are in good condition.

The good news is that the 3 stranded climbers, along with a Labrador Retriever, are all well-equipped with adequate clothing. survival gear, climbing equipment and are huddled in sleeping bags awaiting rescue. The group also has a mountain locator unit which allowed search teams to pinpoint their location shortly after locating the 5 other climbers. The bad news is that 2 of the 3 climbers who fell suffered minor head injuries which could need medical attention and, of course, they are cold.

At the 8,000 foot level they are 3,000 feet above the snowstorm which is at 5,000 feet. This amounts to a virtual wall of falling snow that rescue workers must work through to get to the trapped climbers. The severity of the storm has also raised doubts that searchers will be able to make their way up the mountain at first light today as planned.

Last December, rescue efforts were eventually called off for 3 other climbers who were missing on the mountain because of weather, though 1 was eventually found dead in a snow cave from exposure. Over the past 25 years, according to the Associated Press, 35 climbers have died on Mount Hood.