Weather and Avalanche Delay

September 26

Our expedition leader received word early this morning that the weather forecast is looking worse now with higher winds predicted for the 28th through the 30th.  The estimate is roughly 45 MPH which exceeds that which is considered safe on a mountain this high.  So, we put our departure on hold for further confirmation and finally at 11:00 am the decision was made for us to stay here in Base Camp for at least one more day. 

At the same time, there was a developing situation up high on the mountain between Camps 3 & 4.  Apparently, a major avalanche occurred which traveled right through the climbing route.  What I know now is that the fixed lines in the path of the avalanche and for most of the route between the camps are gone or damaged.  There are some people confirmed dead and injured but it’s way too early to discuss numbers.  There are also climbers above the avalanche path who will have to find a safe way down from Camp 4 because the fixed lines are gone. 

Complicating rescue and recovery efforts is the continued poor weather.  There are thick clouds with intermittent rain and snow down here and snow higher up.  This is preventing all use of helicopters currently, so R&R efforts are being performed on the ground by those close by.  There has been significant and continuous snow accumulation during our expedition and until today, not many people have traveled above Camp 3. 

Those are all the details I have right now.  Our CTSS team is all safe here in Base Camp except one guide who is currently in Camp 1, well away from the avalanche.  Obviously, we won’t be leaving Base Camp any time soon.  I’ll provide more updates as details are available.

Comments

  1. NLSeptember 27, 2022 at 2:53 PM

    Glad you are safe! Did a little research after i heard about Hilaree and your visit to Mt. Manaslu

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pulling the Plug

Image
September 28   It is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to end my expedition on Manaslu.  We’ve had significant snow over the past weeks which has loaded up the mountain beyond normal levels.  Now we’re in a high-pressure weather cycle with clear skies and strong sunshine during the days and cold temperatures at night which can create instability in the snowpack.  The avalanche above Camp 3 two days ago was an indication of this instability and the consequences were dead and critically injured climbers.  The weather forecast is for increasing winds starting yesterday through October 2 nd with a direction from the SW which is on the opposite side of the mountain from our climbing route.  The winds from this direction will transport snow onto the mountain directly above the climbing route, further loading the snowpack and creating additional instability.  We have been watching the snow transport yesterday and this morning and can actually see the co...
Read more

Ready to Launch

Image
September 25 Yesterday was an uneventful rest day with our typical mix of clouds, rain, snow, and some watery sunshine.   I’ve been sleeping great and waking up just before sunrise for the past couple of mornings and today was no different.   That first hour of the day is peaceful and gives me a chance to sort through my thoughts before everyone wakes up.   We had a little snow last night which always gives Base Camp a good look.  Today is our last rest day before heading up the mountain on our summit push.   Besides the usual daily tasks, we have a mid-morning training on the oxygen system that we’ll use on the upper mountain.   Pasang does a great job with the instruction, and everyone gets their rig adjusted properly with their complete head and face covering worked out so as not to expose any skin.  Once we have our gear settled, Pasang reviews the method for swapping oxygen bottles and adjusting the regulator during the process.     We...
Read more

Samdo to Samagaun

Image
September 4 th Today will be a much easier day than yesterday.   We’re heading down the valley to Samagaun which will be a larger village.   This region is an historical place for Tibetan Buddhists because Samdo is only a 3 hour walk from the border.   Just above Samdo is a trading center where Nepali and Tibetans would barter for each other’s goods.   The bazaar is closed now because China has closed the border to Nepal over politics.   It’s a mostly clear morning and we set off with sun on our faces.     Along the trail we see many more signs of traditional Sherpa culture.   There are stupas, gompas, and lots of stone walls covered in mani prayer stones.   This place feels more like the Khumbu Valley which leads to Everest base camp.  During a short rest break, we get our first glimpse of Manaslu.  It’s so high above us that it seems impossible to reach it.  After the initial “whoa” response, our excitement mounts for r...
Read more