Snowshoers Found Safe On Mount Hood

There was more relief than celebration for three friends who got lost snowshoeing on Mount Hood over the weekend.  A cell phone call for help went through on Sunday night saying the group had already spent a night in the snow, making a fort with debris for shelter.  They had food and sleeping bags, but were running out of supplies.

Mark Kelsey, Margarita Estrada and Deborah Shindler ventured quite a distance from the trailhead at White River West Sno Park.  Searchers originally suspended operations due to weather and darkness.  It took several hours to reach the group this Christmas Eve and reunite them with family.  

The friends were headed to a cabin to celebrate Estrada's birthday, but never found the trail.  She worried she may never see her family again.  They were fine physically, just tired and embarrassed.  The friends were experienced, especially Kelsey who worked with Portland Mountain Rescue and has survival training.

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