1 of 2 skiers stranded in Ore. on way to hospital
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — Rescuers are hauling one of two injured backcountry skiers who survived a deadly avalanche in northeastern Oregon's Wallowa Mountain to a landing zone, where they hope a National Guard helicopter can pick them up, if the weather breaks.
Baker County Undersheriff Warren Thompson said Wednesday afternoon that rescuers had the second injured skier nearly to the top of the steep slope where the two were stranded overnight. That person also will be towed in a rescue sled to the landing zone.
He says earlier information that both injured skiers were on their way out of the avalanche zone was incorrect.
Thompson says if the weather doesn't break, the two will be towed to the nearest paved road, where an ambulance will take them to a Baker City hospital.
The avalanche Tuesday killed two others in the party of six skiers and two guides.
