Mount Rainier rangers renew search for climber

SEATTLE — Mount Rainier rangers have resumed their search for the Olympia climber lost in the weekend avalanche. Park spokesman Kevin Bacher says avalanche conditions were improved enough Tuesday morning for two rangers to look for 27-year-old Mark Wedeven. Bacher says they are assuming this will be a recovery mission, not a rescue, as Wedeven is believed to be dead. But park officials want to give his family closure. Eleven people climbing toward the summit were hit by an avalanche Saturday. All but Wedeven were pulled out by their fellow climbers and some nearby guides who were not hit by the avalanche. Two guide services decided not to attempt the summit on Saturday after hearing avalanche warnings from park officials. Wedeven was climbing solo.