Clues reportedly found, but 'icy and treacherous' conditions hamper search
PORTLAND, Ore. - Rescue crews searching for three climbers missing on Mount Hood said they found some clues after a daylong search on Saturday in "miserable" weather.
But Jeff Scheetz of Portland Mountain Rescue did not immediately release details as the families of the climbers joined crews on the mountain.
A Clackamas County sheriff's spokesman said the climbers, two men and one woman, are experienced and well-equipped. They were not immediately identified.
Detective Jim Strovink said the trio were making a technical ascent of the west side of the 11,239-foot volcano near Reid Glacier.
The glacier ranges in elevation from about 6,000 feet to 9,800 feet. The upper extent of the glacier is known for crevasses.
The three climbers were expected back at 2 p.m. Friday. They do not have a radio beacon but they do have a cell phone.
Strovink said there was a brief signal from the cell phone called a "ping" about 1:30 a.m. Friday but it was apparently made as the climbers were leaving Timberline Lodge to begin their ascent.
Strovink said at 5 p.m. Saturday that rescue crews were debriefing and making plans to resume their search on Sunday.
He described weather conditions on the mountain as "cold, icy and treacherous."
Strovink said about 30 searchers focused on the area around Reid Glacier and tried to get up to the 9,000-foot level.
He said family members had been notified and some had joined rescue crews on the mountain.
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