Mountain Locator Units
This week's poll question asks whether Mt Hood climbers should be required to carry Mountain Locator Units (MLU). The Oregon legislature is considering a law requiring that climbers planning on going over 10,000 feet be required to carry a MLU. Mt Hood is 11,249 feet high, give or take.
My personal opinion? I think MLU's should be required. They can be rented, and are inexpensive. I understand that some climbers feel that an MLU takes the thrill out of the climb, but a mountain rescue (or body recovery) takes a lot of the thrill out of the climb also. Not to mention the cost of the rescue effort and the risks to the rescuers.
Any comments on this issue?
The MLU's are not a save all device - they are old technology and far less effective than the media would leads you to believe. The recent 'rescue' on hood was succesful, not because MLU's were used, but because the climbers in need were in non-technical terrain with a cell phone which was used to describe there location and elevation. Supporting MLU's is shortsighted and by no means a fix all for the issue of lost climbers on hood. Technology is no substitute for experience and local knowledge. Search and rescue groups are not in favor of requiring such devices and the Oregon legislature needs to involve the climbing and mountain rescue organizations in any discussions and decisions regarding this topic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that its better to be safe than sorry... the locators are not a big load to carry, except maybe your life. they may not save everyone but they can save some people. Going off of "local knowledge" most likely wont work on a treacherous mountain with unexpected weather. taking the little things for granted can save your life in amazing situations.
ReplyDeleteAlso, taxpayers could be giving more to schools or shelters instead of rescue teams looking for lost people on a mountain who wanted a "thrill" at climbing. just because its old technology, doesnt mean its worthless...and I know someone will come out with advanced technology for this product.