Adventure Coaching Blog

Avo Incident Strikes on Summit Slopes

Sherpa meeting at Advanced Base Camp

As planned, yesterday the 27th we hiked up to Camp 1. The day was glorious and without exception everyone in the AC Team felt great. As we approached C1 we heard news of a slab avalanche on the summit slopes that had involved the Sherpa rope fixing party. This sizable avalanche took place just below a feature called The Shoulder. Fortunately nobody was seriously injured and the Sherpas were able to execute their own rescue to Camp 2, at which point many other helpers assisted in the rescue.

This incident was extremely sobering and has understandably brought rope fixing to a halt. The irony is that the weather has cleared up and would be perfect for a summit bid, but for the lingering unstable snow, attributable to a deep instability present within the snow pack for several weeks.

In light of this latest incident, the third on Cho Oyu this season, several groups have made the decision to end their expedition early.

This morning the members of Adventure Consultants all relocated back to ABC.
We are currently gathering information, considering our options and deciding
the most prudent course of action. Tomorrow we will definitely rest at ABC and decide whether there is an option to safely recommence our summit bid. Today there was a meeting of Sherpas to decide whether or not to continue fixing but this matter remained unresolved. A further meeting will take place at 9.00am tomorrow. Meanwhile this fine summit spell looks like it will end on the 3rd October and then strong winds will return. Please tune in tomorrow and we will let you know our decision.

Mike R from the ABC Cho Oyu

Posted by Mike R - Adventure Consultants on 28th September, 2010 | Comments
Tags: Cho Oyu, Mountaineering, Altitude, Attitude, Avalanche

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