I absolutely agree that these people are crazy to risk their lives and those of their potential rescuers.
People like those who insist on risking the lives of sherpas on Mt. Everest or potential rescuers in this country are guilty of criminal behavior. There is no difference between these mountain climbers and people who go out in the back country where avalanches are common and ski or ride snowmobiles then get swept away, forcing rescuers to risk their lives looking for these idiots.
This is winter. That is a very high mountain in one of the most northern parts of contiguous 48. What kind of weather did they EXPECT!!!!
You said -- "This is winter. That is a very high mountain in one of the most northern parts of contiguous 48. What kind of weather did they EXPECT!!!!"
Actually, in Oregon, there's no telling what kind of weather. It comes out of nowhere, at times. It doesn't matter if it's Winter or Summer. For example, over at Crater Lake (a lot lower than Mt. Hood), they record snowfalls every month of the year (on different years for different months, of course). But, you just never know, out there in Oregon country...
Regards,
Star Traveler