Climber rescued from Mt. Hood

By KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: Jul 24, 2010 at 6:27 PM PDT Last Updated: Jul 24, 2010 at 7:21 PM PDT
Climber rescued from Mt. Hood »Play Video
File photo of Mt. Hood, shot from Lolo Pass, courtesy of KATU.com Producer Doug Fontaine.

MT. HOOD, Ore. – A 40-year-old climber fell on Mt. Hood just below the summit, initiating a rescue mission that included a helicopter to help lift him out.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office reports the climber may have a broken leg and other cuts and bruises. Those injuries are not life threatening, said Clackamas County Deputy Scott Meyers.

Snow conditions made it difficult for rescuers, who were able to reach the fallen climber on foot and bring him to a spot where he could be picked up by helicopter. At 2:12 p.m. Saturday Meyers confirmed an Oregon National Guard helicopter would be used to bring the injured climber off the mountain.

"The rescue should be complete within the hour," Meyers said at the time.

Meanwhile, other climbers were with the downed man and could be tracked by GPS.

The climber, who has yet to be identified by name, was lifted out some time before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in northern Portland.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue Team along with Portland Mountain Rescue, Mountain Wave and Timberline Lodge employees responded.