Climbing Mount Hood in winter, really takes on an elevated seriousness and requires technical climbing skills. The upper portion of the climb is steep snow and ice with high consequence runout. Trail breaking, steep hard blue ice and high winds, all make it " a cascade classic".

Unfortunately, two climbers fell in the Leuthold couloir area on the same day that we summited (March 6th, 2022). One was transported off the mountain with critical injuries; the other pronounced deceased (RIP).

SAR activated a mission and deployed to mount hood at timberline lodge
Rescuers faced deep snow and avalanche conditions with strong winds and repeated gusts up to 50 mph. Military helicopter could not be deployed due to altitude and weather conditions.

So, they were forced to turn back and expanded the operation the day after. While conditions still continued to be extremely difficult and dangerous for rescuers, they rescued the injured climber and made a tough decision to leave the the deceased on the mountain, with plans to mount a recovery mission when conditions improve.

Four teams including 32 rescuers were involved in the mission with numerous other volunteers providing support.

#mthood #winterascent #pearlygates