Three climbers are presumed to have died on Mt. Hood on December 12, reports this story from the Seattle Times, re-kindling an ongoing debate in Oregon about whether locator beacons should be required for all climbers. Is it an unnecessary encumbrance for experienced climbers? An infringement of liberties? Do beacons give novice climbers a false sense of safety? Or would requiring climbers to carry them save lives — and taxpayer money spent on Search & Rescue operations?
