K2 2004: Snowstorm on K2 : Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition

K2 2004 - 50 years later

Snowstorm on K2 July 14, 2004

There is a snowstorm on K2.  The K2 2004 climbers have brought the large camp III tent to 7500 meters.  On the north side, the powdery snow has prevented the climbers from reaching camp I.

11:30 (local time at K2 South Base Camp (8:30 Italian time)

“Up there it is an inferno”, Paolo Confortola does not use vague terms in describing what he experienced on the mountain, after recently returning to camp II.  His companions, Tarcisio Bello, Walter Nones, Stefano Zavka and Karl Unterkircher are climbing down after having reached 7500 meters, where they have deposited the dome tent and the equipment for the set up of camp III. 

The adverse conditions have prevented the climbers from setting up the tent and have forced the climbers into a rapid descent, back to the previous positioning of camp III where they had left a small tent. 

Unfortunately, since 10:30 this morning the radio communications are not good.  The scheduled time for the next radio communication is 12 noon.  Only then will we be able to have confirmation of their position on the mountain and of their condition.

Meanwhile, on the north face, Claudio Bastrentaz, Luca Vuerich, Daniele Bernasconi and Mario Panzeri are returning to base camp after having reached 6300 meters, only 100 meters away from the position of camp I.  The high altitude snow is powdery and with the threat of avalanches, the climbers were advised to return to base camp and abandon their attempt for the higher camp. 

We still have several hours to be apprehensive…until we hear from our climbers

copyright Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition Expedition

 

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