This is a press release courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service

Effective today, December 15, 2006, Mt. Hood is closed to all climbing.  The area of the mountain above the Pacific Crest Trail and the Timberline Trail is closed to everyone except the search and rescue teams directed by the Hood River County Sheriff.

The purpose of the closure is intended to assist efforts to find the three missing climbers.  With a forecasted break in the weather, rescuers plan an all out effort to find the missing climbers.  By keeping everyone out of the area, the sheriff will be able to eliminate any false clues left by others, such as tracks or cell phone signals.  The public is asked to abide by this closure.

The Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Areas remain open.  The area immediately outside the ski areas is closed to all public entry.   Cooper Spur Ski Area, located at a lower elevation than the closed area also remains open.