On Everest, Everyone Is Waiting for a Block of Ice to Fall
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- The start of this year's spring climbing season on Everest is delayed due to the imminent collapse of a dangerous serac in the Khumbu Icefall, a critical section above base camp that must be secured before climbers can proceed.
- The Icefall Doctors, a specialized Nepali team, are responsible for fixing ropes and ladders in the Icefall, but cannot complete their work until the serac falls, which could happen "any day now."
- Delays in opening the Khumbu Icefall route impact the establishment of higher camps, potentially compressing the climbing season and causing dangerous bottlenecks for summit attempts typically starting mid-May.
- Some expeditions are redirecting climbers to nearby peaks like Pumori and Island Peak for acclimatization while waiting for the route to open.
- Drones, first used last year to transport gear between Base Camp and Camp 1, will assist in speeding up preparations this season, with increased carrying capacity from 30 to 50 kilograms at a cost of about $7 per kilogram.
