Mt. Rainier, Washington Search helicopters have detected emergency locator beacons buried in the snow on Mount Rainer. Six climbers, two guides with four clients, were reported missing on Friday evening when they did not return as expected. The pings from the locators are registering in an area several thousand feet below the climber's last reported position. Park officials believe the expedition fell up to 3,300' in an avalanche prone area. Climbing gear was also spotted scattered across the section where the pings are coming from. Rescue and recovery efforts have been suspended at this time. Park Ranger Fawn Bauer told the AP News Service there was no viable chance of survival from such a fall. Falling rock and ice are currently preventing any recovery efforts. Bauer added, "In all honesty, we may never be able to get on the ground there." Names of the climbers are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. More information can be found in this AP News story.
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