TMCnet News
Mount Hood searchers use smartphone GPS to try to locate missing guide, 2 othersDec 24, 2012 (The Oregonian - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Search and rescue crews began a sunrise search to locate a veteran mountain guide and outdoor survival instructor who got lost Sunday in foggy and snowy conditions on Mount Hood with two female companions. About 20 rescuers on two snow cats and skis are checking areas on the north and south sides of the White River drainage, near Barlow Rd., said Matt English, a spokesman for the Hood River County Sheriff's Office. Searchers intend to check out U.S. Forest Service warming shelters in the area, English said. The trio used a cellphone to place a call to Hood River County emergency services for help on Sunday afternoon, said Russell Gubele, president of Mountain Wave Emergency Communications. The missing group's car was found at White River West Sno Park on Oregon 35, a few miles north of U.S. 26. The search area is roughly four miles away. The trio were planning to spend the night at a "rustic cabin" on the mountain, but rescue crews don't know where the cabin is or whether they reached it, Gubele said. "We have some coordinates from the cell phone, but they're not very accurate," Gubele said. The male hiker, who was not identified, is described as a former member of Portland Mountain Rescue who has been a professional guide on Mount Hood for several years. "He continues to guide and teach survival techniques," said Rocky Henderson, team leader with Portland Mountain Rescue. "He is of the utmost competence." Rescuers will likely face weather conditions that include thick fog and snow, Henderson said, pointing out that the hikers reported such heavy snowfall that they are not able to find their way out. The group may be traveling on snowshoes. Portland Mountain Rescue, the Hood River County Sheriff's Office and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office are helping with the search, he said. -- Kimberly A.C. Wilson Follow kacw on Twitter ___ (c)2012 The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) Visit The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) at www.oregonian.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |