Melting Dangers: How Global Warming is Threatening Climbers on the Khumbu Icefall

The Khumbu Icefall, a perilous section of the South Col route to Mount Everest, has become increasingly unstable due to global warming. This treacherous 2.6 km stretch of ice above Base Camp is filled with large blocks of ice called seracs and deep crevasses, posing a great danger to climbers attempting to conquer the world’s highest peak.

The management of these dangers falls on the shoulders of a team of experts known as Icefall Doctors. This year, they were forced to delay the start of the Everest climbing season by 12 days due to unsafe conditions caused by melting ice. Climatologist Paul Mayewski warns that as global temperatures continue to rise, the Khumbu Icefall will only become more hazardous for climbers.

The movement of glaciers like the Khumbu Glacier has caused them to recede, leading to an increase in lakes and streams in the area. This not only increases the risk of avalanches and falling ice but also makes crevasses more dangerous for climbers. Despite these challenges, Mayewski believes that climbing Mount Everest will still be possible in the future, although the risks associated with climate change will make it even more dangerous than it already is.

Mayewski’s research indicates that conditions are changing across Mount Everest, with significant ice loss on the South Col glacier in recent decades. The effects of climate change are evident at Base Camp areas as well, with visible signs of melting. While these dangers are concerning, climbers continue to take on the challenge of Mount Everest, adapting to changing conditions to fulfill their ambitions.