Around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office requested Portland Mountain Rescue to assist in the search for Kinley Adams, a 59 year-old male climber. The subject’s family had reported him overdue from a solo climb of the Leuthold Couloir at approximately 9:00 that evening.
Dr. Adams’ car was located in the Timberline Ski Area parking lot and he had registered at the climber’s registry in the day lodge. His registration indicates that he intended to climb the Leuthold Couloir route up the mountain. His family described him as a competent, experienced climber who is familiar with Mt. Hood. Initially, he was reported to be carrying a cell phone and a Delorme In Reach device, although his In Reach device later was found at home.
PMR personnel assembled at Timberline at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, June 23, 2013. At 6000 ‘, temperatures were in the low 50s with light rain and a worsening forecast. The upper part of Mt. Hood was obscured by clouds.
Sunday’s search task was to attempt to sweep the Mr. Adams’ intended route for clues. Rescuers were shuttled to the top of the Palmer lift by snow cat. PMR’s first team was climbing from that location around 5:00 a.m. PMR’s teams searched the upper part of the Reid Glacier west of Illumination Saddle. One team ascended the Leuthold Couloir route to the neck of the hour glass. Due to deteriorating visibility and precipitation, searchers did not go higher and returned to Timberline Lodge around noon. No sign of Dr..Adams was identified during this search day.
The forecast for Monday and through much of the week is for winter storm conditions on the upper mountain. PMR is scheduled to search again on Monday. We are hoping Mr. Adams has dug a snow cave and is sitting out the weather.
