Climber deaths again raise question of requiring locator beacons for Mount Hood ascents
By APSaturday, December 19, 2009
After climber deaths, Oregon faces beacon question
PORTLAND, Ore. — The recent search and rescue operation for three young climbers has rekindled debate in Oregon about requiring locator beacons for mountaineering expeditions on Mount Hood.
In 2007, the Oregon Legislature considered a bill to require beacons for wintertime climbs on Oregon’s highest mountain. But it died in the Senate.
That followed a climb in which one man was found dead in a snow cave and two others were never found.
Mountaineers oppose such a requirement. They say it could lead climbers take undue risks, figuring they’ll be rescued, and beacons don’t always ensure a rescue.
Backers of such a requirement say beacons would help search and rescue teams find lost climbers, reduce risk to the searchers and save money.
