Helicopter Rescues Climber

An Air Force Reserve helicopter crew rescued a man Sunday night after 36 hours on a ridge at 9,600 feet on the west face of Mount Hood, about 45 miles east of Portland.

Daniel Smith, 27, of Portland was in a treacherous area of quickly melting snow and ice and the terrain was too unstable for him to proceed, said Sgt. Tim Davis, an Air Force Reserve spokesman.

He was hoisted aboard the helicopter about 5:30 p.m. and flown to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, where he was examined and released.

Air Force Reserve spokeswoman Karole Scott said Smith was cold, dehydrated and somewhat confused, but otherwise was in good condition.

Earlier Sunday, the helicopter had dropped him food, a cell phone and a UHF radio.