The Associated Press
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. — Five men who were rescued from Mount Hood over the weekend were well-equipped climbers, but they were ill-prepared to tackle the mountain during a storm, rescuers said.
The climbers, who used a cell phone to call for help Saturday, were rescued shortly before midnight and were in good condition when they reached the Timberline Lodge, the sheriff’s office said.
They were caught in a snowstorm on the mountain’s south side, authorities said.
Rescuer Steve Rollins told The Oregonian that the climbers carried all the right gear, including maps, a compass, an altimeter and a mountain locator unit, but not all of them knew how to use it.
He also said the men were unfamiliar with the mountain’s geographic features.
“They knew a storm was coming in. Once again, we have a group not appreciate the strength of storms on Mount Hood,” he said.
Mount Hood has been the site of several high-profile rescues in the past six months. In February, three climbers and a dog fell from a ledge, but were rescued after a cold night. In December, one climber died and two are presumed dead after climbing the mountain’s more dangerous north side.