California authorities have said that a powerful military helicopter will hopefully aid in rescuing a 26-year-old climber stranded near the summit of Mount Shasta.

The Sacramento Bee reported on Thursday that bad weather and a lack of heavy equipment has prevented rescuers from reaching chemical engineer Thomas Bennett of Oakland, Calif.

Bennett's climbing partner Mark Thomas told rescuers Bennett fell ill and collapsed on Sunday, possibly the result of altitude sickness.

Bennett was put in a snow cave by Thomas with food and water and he went down the mountain to get help.

But high winds and poor visibility have prevented rescuers from the U. S. Forest Service and other agencies from reaching him.

In another attempt to reach Bennett on Thursday, a heavy-lifting Chinook helicopter belonging to the California National Guard has been brought in.