According to the Seattle Times, Two hikers, a man and a woman, were rescued from Mt. Rainier this morning after spending two nights stranded on the mountain in a severe blizzard. A third hiker, the husband to the rescued woman, died of hypothermia.
The trio, described as experienced mountaineers, set out for a day hike on Rainier on Monday, and reached Camp Muir at 10,000 feet that day. A strong storm blew in while they were descending and as they reached the Muir Snowfield, just a half-mile below the camp. The storm brought 70 mile an hour winds, and large amounts of snow, which they were completely unprepared for, having dressed for a warm spring day. The blizzards prevented a rescue attempt until today, when a helicopter go finally approach the mountain.
The two climbers who were rescued are reportedly suffering from severe frostbite and hypothermia, but are said to be in good condition overall. The names of the three involved have been withheld until the family of the deceased can be notified. While on the mountain, they had to dig a snow cave, and huddled inside, to escape the weather. They also tried calling for help on their cell phone, but were unable to get through due to the storm. Eventually they were able to alert the rangers, but the conditions made a rescue attempt impossible until things improved today.
Lets hope the survivors recover fully, and my condolences to the family and friends of the man lost on the mountain. It's sad and a bit scary, how dangerous these late spring storms can be.
Thanks Carl for sending this my way. As always, you have some great contributions.
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