Mt. Hood Climbers and The "Climbable" Paradox
December 15, 2006 at 12:37 PM |
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The state of Oregon is once again in the midst of a furious manhunt. This time, rescue teams are searching Mount Hood for Kelly James and his climbing buddies.
James and his team set out more than a week ago for the summit of the 11,239-foot volcanic peak.
But with the hikers missing since Sunday in worsening weather, there was a sense of urgency concerning the teams well being.
Yesterday, rescuers continued to wait on the middle elevations of the mountain for the weather to break, and family members kept the faith, largely thanks to a two-day-old ping from James' cell phone.
"It doesn't take a lot to survive if you can create a good snow cave," said Dunham Gooding, president of the American Alpine Institute in Bellingham, Wash.
Sites like this appear to do a decent job explaining how to build a snow cave, or better yet, go to a trained expert for the real deal.
Mt. Hood, widely known as one of the most climbed glaciated peaks in North America, is a bit of a paradox. A low altitude, easy approach and short hiking/climbing distance, make it attractive to "tourist" climbers. However, it appears to be a considerably tricky mountain, depending on which path you take to the top and how quickly the weather turns on you.
While Mount Hood has reportedly been summited by a woman in high heels, this does not discount the need for climbing experience on this mountain. An ice axe and crampons should be considered mandatory for most climbers.
Hopefully James and his team are found soon.
Related Stories:
· Mount Hood [maps.google.com]
· Mount Hood [SummitPost]
· Good Snow Caves Best Hope for Mt. Hood Clibmers [OregonLive]
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markj
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