Human review coming soon.
Ice Block Delays Hundreds on Everest
A large ice block is hanging above Mount Everest's Khumbu Icefall. It has forced hundreds of climbers and guides to wait at Base Camp.
The ice block sits between Base Camp and Camp One. Experts say it is unstable and too dangerous to pass.
Specialist workers called icefall doctors clear the route for climbers. But they cannot work safely while the ice block hangs above them.
Reports say the ice block is about 30 metres tall. Sources say its lower section is already getting weaker.
Sherpas hope it will fall within days. Meanwhile the delay is shrinking the climbing window. That window usually closes by the end of May.
Klear Note — Mount Everest's Khumbu Icefall is a dangerous glacier area climbers must cross. The climbing season is short, lasting only a few weeks each spring.
Key Terms 4
- Khumbu Icefall
- A steep and dangerous section of ice near Everest's Base Camp
- serac
- A large unstable block of ice that can fall without warning
- icefall doctors
- Specialist workers who fix ropes and clear safe paths on Everest
- climbing window
- The short safe period each year when Everest weather allows climbing