Body of Canadian Climber Recovered from Mount Hood

"Our hearts go out to the family" - Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler

Recovery of Canadian climber, Robert Dale Wiebe's body on Mt. Hood, Oregon. Photos courtesy of the Hood River County Sheriff's Office

(MOUNT HOOD, Ore.) - Personnel from the Crag Rats, Corvallis Mountain Rescue and Eugene Mountain Rescue, were able to successfully recover the body of Canadian climber, Robert Dale Wiebe today.

"We appreciate all of the help that we received from search and rescue volunteers", said Chief Deputy Jerry Brown. "Today's mission could not have been completed without their help."

Wiebe was killed Tuesday after an apparent fall near the area known as the "Snow Dome" on Mt. Hood's Coe Glacier. Wiebe and four other men had ascended the mountain Tuesday, with the intent of skiing down from the area where the accident occurred.

Unexpected weather had moved into the area, creating diminished visibility and high winds. Members of the group discovered that Wiebe was missing and searched the area. He was discovered by companions, approximately 700 feet below, on Coe Glacier. Wiebe fell from an area located at around 9500 feet.

Today crews experienced better weather on the mountain and were able to navigate their way to the accident site which was located more than four miles from the base of operations at the Cloud Cap Inn. Yesterday's operations had been suspended in the afternoon due to adverse conditions.

"We are glad that today's mission was completed without any injuries and that Mr. Wiebe will be returned home to his family following this tragic event", said Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler. "Our hearts go out to the family."

Source: Clackamas County news release