Scandi thanks for the update. I think you best not attempt going up there.
That is good news if the blackhawk is up in the air. They may be just trying to reposition it to a higher elevation, to have it nearer for rescue. Or maybe the blackhawk is dropping rescuers off, closer to the target area. (I read about in the report posted below.)
Also, glad to hear these rescue teams are so highly experienced.
Snippets from a report at 09:25 today,
Rescue Teams Continue Search For Three Missing Climbers on Mt. Hood
CCSO personnel report five; four man teams are deployed at this time.
These teams are comprised of members of the elite Portland Mountain Rescue and Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue.
Members of Mountain Wave are also providing communications for this operation.
At the present, the weather on the mountain is reported as calm, with light snow conditions.
At approximately 9:15 AM today , one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter will depart from the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, to aid in the search for the three missing hikers on Mt. Hood.
Current plans will have the Blackhawk and crew reposition to the Hood River, airport where they will meet with representatives of the Hood River Sheriff's Office for briefings on the current situation on the mountain.
The crew will consist of a pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and flight medic.
Weather permitting they will attempt to locate a landing zone at a higher elevation to reposition the airframe.
This would allow for faster response time to transport additional ground crews and equipment higher up the mountain or to launch an aerial search.
Weather will play a large part in the search efforts and determining use of the Blackhawk.
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