(MT) – A sudden turn in the weather, a common event on Mount Hood, and
another too common event followed.

Canadian climber Robert Dale Wiebe was killed June 16 after a fall near the
area known as the Snow Dome on Mount Hood’s Coe Glacier.

Snow, wind and poor visibility halted efforts of search and rescue crews until
the following day when personnel from the Crag Rats, Corvallis Mountain
Rescue and Eugene Mountain Rescue were able to successfully recover the
body.

“We appreciate all of the help that we received from search and rescue
volunteers,” said Chief Deputy Jerry Brown of the Hood River County Sheriff’s
Office.

“Today’s mission could not have been completed without their help.”

Wiebe and four other men ascended the mountain June 15 with the intent of
skiing down from the area where the accident occurred. Unexpected weather
moved into the area – highlighted by high winds and swiftly diminishing
visibility.

While navigating past Snow Dome in the harsh conditions other climbers
noticed that Wiebe was no longer in sight and it was soon discovered that he
had fallen.

After searching the area, he was located approximately 700 feet below on Coe
Glacier. Wiebe had fallen from an area at around 9,500 feet.

Wiebe, described as an experienced climber and outdoorsman, was part of the
five-man team which included two members of the Crag Rats – a Hood River
Valley based search and rescue team.

The climbers were not roped together at the time of the incident.

Better weather the day after the fall allowed crews to navigate to the accident
site more than four miles from the base of operations at the Cloud Cap Inn.
“We’re glad that today’s mission was completed without injuries and that Mr.
Wiebe will be returned home (Langley, British Columbia) to his family
following this tragic event,” said Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler.

“Our hearts go out to the family.”