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Two Missing Climbers on Mt. Foraker, Denali NP 7-Jun-2006 At 5:53:41 AM The Keeper

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A search is on for two missing climbers - Sue Nott (36) from Vail, Colorado and Karen McNeill (37) from Canmore, Alberta. They were attempting to climb 'Infinite Spur" on Mt. Foraker in a 10 day charge. They began the climb 20 days ago and had food & fuel for more than 10 days. Tracks have been confirmed at the 14,800 ft level of the 17,400 ft peak. Searchers have found ominous signs at the bottom of the climb - Nott's damaged and torn backpack with hand warmers and radio inside and nearby, a jacket, stuff sack, sleeping bag , hat and gloves. The pack is believed to have fallen from a higher elevation. There had been avalanche activity on the south face with the route between 10,000 and 14,000 feet. The Infinite Spur is a long, technical and steep ridge on the south face of Foraker. No evidence was found of the pair at the top of the climb.
Helicopters were prevented from checking the upper section of the climb due to bad weather. The search is continuing and searchers are hopeful that despite the foreboding evidence that they were able to hole up in a snow cave at some location.
McNeill is from NZ orignally. Both women are tough and internationally respected alpinists. Fingers crossed on this one. Best location for news as this develops is the Anchorage Daily News site - adn.com - I am away the rest of the week on an outdoor trip with my daughters Gr. 7 school class so willnot be able to update this myself.