I've feared the worse for days now. Prayers up for these two men's families.
I don't mean to be morbid, and I don't know the area, but I'm curious...
Will they ever be found? Does enough of the snow melt in the spring to insure that their remains will eventually be visible, or is it possible they'll remain permanently frozen in a snowcave somewhere?
Several of us think the two met their end before Kelly James did. Have you visited this thread? Beginning with the last post and tracking backwards...
Mt. Hood Body Identified As Kelly James
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1755244/posts?page=352
One story I read speculated they may have fallen into a crevice where several other climbers have been missing, some for many years.
As for Everest, there are supposedly many lost bodies up there, including Mallory's partner.
It is tragically sad that these men are likely deceased. Attempting to climb Mount Hood is a serious endeavor during any season of the year. In my estimation, a "minimalist / lightweight gear" trip to the summit is a huge challenge during the summer, I can't envision it during the winter. They didn't stand a chance once temperatures dipped and water / food / fuel ran low.
~ Blue Jays ~
My dad was almost killed on the opposite (easy) side of that volcano. Used an ice axe to stop his slide off the glacier.