Alaska authorities launched a rescue operation Thursday for four climbers who fell on Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak, in Denali National Park. The incident occurred near Denali Pass at approximately 18,200 feet, according to the National Park Service. Three other team members returned to High Camp at 17,000 feet after the fall.

Weather conditions were improving Thursday, enabling helicopter operations for the rescue effort. The National Weather Service reported isolated snow showers and strong winds at higher elevations Wednesday, with potential 35 mph gusts at 14,000 feet Thursday evening. Conditions were expected to calm through the weekend, improving visibility challenges.

In a separate overnight operation Wednesday, two climbers were evacuated by helicopter around 11 p.m., though their conditions remained unknown Thursday. The mountain's name was changed from Denali to Mount McKinley by President Trump last year, reverting to the original designation.

The National Park Service focused on rescue operations and notifying family members Thursday. Both incidents remain active rescue operations with limited information available about the climbers' conditions.