Related Sponsors

Mountaineering Hazards

Home » Climbing » Mountaineering » Mountaineering Hazards

It is very important to keep in mind that mountaineering demands the climber take safety precautions. There are various potential hazards the climber can run into while climbing. The two primary types of danger include the mountaineer falling during his climb or articles falling on the climber during the climb. Rock, snow, and ice could fall on a mountaineer or cause the climber to fall.

The weather can also be unpredictable and hazardous. The principal dangers initiated by bad weather focus around the changes the weather induces in snow and rock conditions. What would typically be safe terrain under normal conditions can make movements much more strenuous and hazardous. Summer thunderstorms can cause powerful lightening which are attracted to the highest points on the ground. If a climber is near the summit, they could possibly be at the highest point. Many mountaineers have been struck by lightening during a storm. A great thing to keep in mind is that many thunderstorms in the mountains develop by late morning and early afternoon. It may be wise to begin ascents by the first light so that you can be on your way back down the mountain when the storms are intensifying in lightning. Whiteouts may also occur in the higher elevations. These storms make it hard to retrace a route. It is a good idea to use a compass for guidance during storms.

One final concern mountaineers should keep in mind is altitude sickness. If a climber ascends too quickly it can easily lead to altitude sickness. The most effective cure is to descend the climb immediately. Lack of oxygen can begin to be a danger for many people at heights below 5,000 m. It is said that the mountaineer’s motto during high ascents is “climb high, sleep low”. This is sound advice for any climber.

Next Page: Final Thoughts

Related Mountaineering Articles