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K2 summit push aborted in high wind
12:29 p.m. EDT Jul 27, 2003
This morning at 02.30 a.m. the International/Kazakh team left K2 Camp 4 (app. 7800 m) for a summit push in very hard winds. The weather forecasts didn’t look good and unfortunately they had to give up and return to C4 at K2’s shoulder. Monday and Tuesday the winds are expected to increase further, close to hurricane force.
Due to the stormy conditions the Andalusians also aborted their summit attempt and descended towards BC.
For several of the climbers this was their 3rd time at 8000 meter. The high winds multiply the effort that has to be put in each forward step, and the climbers are very worn at this point.
It is likely that the Kazakhs will descend further to BC.
Mid-week a ridge will bring more favorable high-altitude conditions, but a short-notice second push above 8000 m will be above tough for these guys.
Regarding the K2 season there is however still plenty of time left for another push. 62 % of all the 198 K2 summits has taken place from the end of July to the beginning of September. In 1978 Ridgeway & Roskelley reached the summit as late as Sept 7.
The weather forecasts are of critical importance as the climbers push high on the “mountaineer’s mountain”. Daily exchanges of information gathered from different weather models are made between the different forecasters. ExplorersWeb’s AdventureWeather.com has been collaborating with Javier Corripio of Meteo France, who provides forecasts for the Andalusian expedition. Comparing different models is laborious but essential work and Javier has shown a high level of dedication. This free sharing of information will hopefully make K2 and surrounding mountains a safer place.
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