AA, I refer to roamer's post #257 in which he says the first spot found by the rescuers was likely "a protected belay position or anchor-end for a traverse", not a true cave. He even puts the word "cave" in quotes.
Then he says James survived the accident, (though badly injured) avalanche or whatever it was and "made his way to the only shelter available- The snow cave from the previous night" (leaving behind his gear).
Therefore the other cave had already been built and they spent the night before there. It wasn't very far, though no doubt tricky, and their footprints could have been followed by him back to it. But clearly he was in bad shape so no wonder he sounded as he did in the phone call.
The sheriff also said that from the pictures they made it too the summit. They should be able to tell if someone was injured at that time. I'm thinking not. I think it happened on Saturday. It just makes more sense, then any of the other scenarios. But hey, it's all speculation.
I'm hung up on the rope being "cut"...IF/when they find the other two men, it should answer my question wrt them possibly being on the other end of the cut rope..
sw