Ore. searchers thwarted again by weather ( Day 11 : Mt Hood )

, Associated Press ^ | Dec 17 | JOSEPH B. FRAZIER

[bonfire]

WHAT??? Who reported that?

[sissyjane]

Sherriff's spokesman on CNN.

[NittanyLion]

A search official on CNN. I didn't get a name.

[bonfire]

FOX hasn't reported that it was empty. hmmmmm

[Raebie]

Gary Tiffany. Sargent with the sherrif's dept.

[NittanyLion]

Also, per CNN the press conference has been cancelled.

[Abigail Adams]

What???? Dang, that doesn't sound good.

[surfer]

Where did you hear that a sleeping bag was found in the cave?

[Raebie]

They're reporting it now. Seems that Tiffany gave an interview to CNN prior to the presser.

[bonfire]

Here it comes.....breaking........FOX.......empty.

[kcvl]

Press conference on now...

2 ice axes, rope and no climbers found in ice cave

[spectre]

The cave was empty...no men.

sw

[surfer]

http://www.katu.com/news/live/3882262.html

link to live video...

[NittanyLion]

Where did you hear that a sleeping bag was found in the cave?

Sheriff Dept spokesman Gary Tiffany reported it on CNN. Said there was a sleeping bag and a couple ice picks found. If it's true that there were footprints found going UP from the cave (that was reported earlier), and they just sort of disappeared, then it isn't looking good for James.

[surfer]

Just heard it on katu...thanks...WOW

[Abigail Adams]

Footprints were going up? What else are they saying on the news conference? I missed some of it.

[george76]

Sheriff Dept spokesman Gary Tiffany said that they may pull off the mountain to let the searchers get a good nights sleep, fed, etc. for another push for tomorrow.

[surfer]

katu presser is still going on.

They are not speculating much. Basically went into snow cave and found some stuff.

He did state that based on how the snow cave was built that they were experienced and he wouldn't be surprised if they left and built another snow cave somewhere.

The footprints heading up the summit to me would indicate they try to find a more secure location on the south side.

Maybe the other two that left created a better shelter on the south side and return to get Kelly James...that is pure speculation on my part...trying to remain optimistic.

[schu]

With respect, I have personally made cell calls multiple times from the top of Mt Rainier as well as at various high camps, so it works.

The North side of Mt Hood is very treacherous and has been the scene of much carnage. It is a very dangerous and exposed route.

schu

[Abigail Adams]

Thanks! Why would someone who is injured leave the cave and climb higher up the mountain, leaving sleeping and climbing gear behind? Hmm...