The third week of our expedition is over. Here’s what happened in the last few days
Simone and David ventured up nearly to C2 at 6,000 m (19,700 ft). On the way there, they slept a couple of nights at C1, at about 5,100 m (16,700 ft). The acclimatization program is going well; they’re both in shape and make a good team. The route is now open up to C2, thanks also to the hard work of our Polish friends. So even C2 has been set up in a big crevasse below the Mazeno Ridge, which will be our long route up to the peak.
The mountain conditions are good at the moment. The weather is quite stable: it snowed just a couple of times this week, the sky is often clear, and the temperature is low but bearable. At base camp, the temperature got down to –29°C (–20°F) a couple of times, but when the sky is overcast, the weather is milder. Now, based on Karl Gabl’s forecast, we expect the wind to increase from January 21 on.
On January 18, Simone and David set off for their second acclimatization rotation, aiming at passing C2 and reaching the ridge before the weather gets worse again; the idea is to start exploring a short stretch of the ten-kilometer ridge. Their goal is to briefly venture up to 7,000 m (22,900 ft) if the wind permits. This will be a crucial stage both for acclimatization and the summit attempt. The next update on Simone and David’s descent back to base camp will appear here on The North Face Journal.
Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at hashtag #nangainwinter.
Credits
The North Face/david_göttler
The North Face/emilioprevitali.com
The North Face/simone_moro