Mt. Hood is an extremely accessible and popular peak. Probably no one appreciates Mt. Hood's allure more than those who volunteer to rescue people who get in trouble on it. We don't read about the thousands of successful climbs every year.

It's estimated that 10,000 people attempt the summit annually. It's remarkable that more don't perish.

God bless the families and the rescuers. And the deputy who had the grim duty of telling the families that avalanche danger has to restrict the rescue effort.

The article at this link is being continually updated with the latest info:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/ground_search_for_missing_mt_h.html

"Rescuers did not head out on foot Sunday because of avalanche danger, a decision made late Saturday night by Portland Mountain Rescue and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office officials.

...The body was found at about the 9,000-foot level on Reid Glacier. However, photographs taken from a digital camera that was found near the body indicate the climbers reached perhaps as high as 10,000 feet on the headwall, said Rollins.

The conditions on Reid Glacier, the west side of the peak where the search has been focused, are particularly susceptible to avalanche....

A Clackamas County deputy explained the decision to family members of the climbers at about 7 a.m. in a gathering near the stone fireplace of Timberline Lodge, where the families are staying."

Nolan has traveled to several parts of the world -- Nepal, South America, Israel -- on behalf of Christian causes. In one part of the globe she has worked "rescuing young women from the slave trade," he said.

"She's been all over the world," he said.