Basecamp Disaster: 9 Lives Lost on Mount Hood

In May 1986, an outdoor program at Oregon Episcopal School turned disastrous during a hike up Mount Hood. Twenty people, including 15 students, set out despite weather forecasts predicting snow and warnings from other groups who had canceled their expeditions.

The group began their ascent early on a Sunday morning, but soon encountered a severe snow flurry. Six members opted to descend, expecting the others to return by evening.

However, as visibility plummeted due to clouds and temperatures dropped dramatically, the remaining hikers were forced to turn back. They constructed a snow cave to shelter one boy succumbing to hypothermia, huddling together for warmth.

Two survivors, Ralph Summers and student Molly Schula, trekked for help, reaching a ski resort. A search party was mobilized, but harsh weather hindered their efforts.

Rescuers later found three students deceased. Days later, they discovered the snow cave with eight people inside; two students, Brinton Clark and Giles Thompson, were found alive but severely hypothermic.

Tragically, nine individuals, including seven students, died. Survivors Brinton Clark and Giles Thompson endured extensive recovery, with Thompson requiring amputations. The event remains one of North America's deadliest alpine accidents.