MemoTo SAC Seattle re terrain and weather conditions in the Clark County search area30 November 19711 page
memoLegibility: medium

Part 65, page 86

DB Cooper-27316Serials SE 164-81

Document date 30 November 1971

Open in FBI Vault (Part 65, page 86 of the PDF)

FBI 164-81, Vault Part 65 p. 86 (DB Cooper-27316), Memo, dated 30 Nov 1971 — cooper.theunsolved.net/parts/Cooper-Part-65/pages/86

Transcript

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum

SE 164-81 SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P) DATE: 11/30/71

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SUB: of the aircraft in Clark County there is some farm land and clearings which stands under dense timber in parts in which stands, the undergrowth is heavy. There is a ridge line running north and south on the east side of the search area. NORTHWEST AIRLINES U.

Information secured concerning weather conditions on the night of the hijacking from the Portland International Airport Weather Service reflect that winds at 7,000 feet along the flight path of the aircraft were blowing from the west and were from 25 to 30 knots. Investigation on the ground in the search area reflects that weather conditions were a wind blowing from the west and a light misty rain, [guess: falling] with wind velocity [guess: up] to 15 knots. Further information from this weather service reflects a ceiling of [guess: 5,000] feet, [guess: Approx] 500 feet medium to heavy cloud cover and at [guess: a] 500 feet. occasional sighting of the ground site photograph by interested medical authorities.

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A four seater helicopter of the Bonneville Power Administration conducting air search in an area 20 X 20 miles with negative results. The three-day use of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in the prime search area in the opinion of the water has been completed. No information of value has been uncovered in this aerial surveillance.

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Information concerning [ ] has been previously furnished in teletype sent to the Las Vegas Division this date. Close observation of terrain features in the search area composed of [guess: 637] square miles and has been flown for three days consists of the following:

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Around Lake Merwin in the northern most part of the search area there is a ridge line which averages 1700 feet running in an east to westerly direction with dense timber, [guess: evergreen], heavy undergrowth and few clearings. Proceeding north and east of this location into Cowlitz County the terrain becomes more timbered with heavy growth of underbrush along the flight path

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3 - Seattle TJM/rse (3)

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Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan DB Cooper-27316