Climbers Missing on Mt. Hood

Oregon's Mt. Hood has stricken another group of climbers this weekend, claiming one, with two still missing. Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of Luke Gullberg, 26, of Des Moines, WA. The remaining two climbers, Katie Nolan, 29, of Portland, OR, and Anthony Vietti, 24, of Longview, WA have yet to be found. The three are all experienced climbers, who were attempting the summit via Mt. Hood's west side Reid Glacier. Rescuers believe that they may have been caught by avalanches with the recent storms and heavy snowfall on the mountain.

Almost exactly three years ago, a similar situation occurred when three climbers attempted the summit via the difficult north side. One was recovered, the other two were never found. At only 11,239', Mt. Hood continues to be one of the deadliest climbs in the Northwestern Cascade range; it is the tallest cascade mountain in Oregon.

As a fellow hiker and outdoor enthusiast, condolences to the Gullberg family, and hopes and prayers to the Nolan and Vietti families for the safe recovery of their loved ones.

UPDATE: Search Called Off (12.17.09)

Authorities and rescue teams have ended the search for the other two missing climbers on Mt. Hood, Katie Nolan and Anthony Vietti. Recent storms dumping over a foot of new snow, sub-freezing temperatures and whiteout conditions have hampered efforts for rescue teams to search the mountain with any success.

Condolences to all three families for their recent loss.