Mountaineering Hazards

• Falling rocks – As time passes, rock formations eventually crumble into smaller rocks. This can be caused by erosion, wind, thawing of ice, and animal activity. Sometimes, it can also be caused by human activity such as previous Hiking trips.
  
  Falling rocks are dangerous because they can cause serious injuries like fractures. These rocks can be predicted by some outward signs. In places where rocks often fall, debris or smaller rock fragments can be found below. On snow, falling rocks form grooves that are visible from a distance. By all means, avoid camping or staying for a long period of time in areas with these signs. If it is necessary to pass through them, do it as quickly and carefully as possible. Wearing a helmet can also help.


• Falling Ice – Like rocks, smaller fragments of ice will eventually break off from a glacier due to rising temperatures. This results in falling ice. Just like falling rocks, they can also be avoided. Generally, it is advised not to climb ice-covered rock faces during a warm day, especially when it is almost spring. But the sites where ice usually falls can also be determined by debris found below them. As much as possible, avoid these areas.


• Avalanche – This is a huge blanket of snow sliding down the side of a mountain. Avalanches are a major threat to Mountaineers because it can easily bury them in a heavy pile of snow where it is very difficult or sometimes impossible to get out. Some factors that contribute to the occurrence of avalanches are the steepness of the slope of the mountainside, instability of the snowpack, and the weather. It is near impossible to predict the coming of an avalanche, so all Mountaineers are encouraged to partake in an avalanche rescue training session beforehand. Everyone is encouraged not to Hike alone as well. Also, everyone is required to carry at all times a shovel, avalanche beacons and probes. These items will make avalanche rescues easier and faster.


• Crevasses – These are huge and deep cracks or openings across glaciers or snow fields that are caused by the movement of the glacier. Crevasses can either be visible or hidden (usually by a blanket of snow). Detecting a hidden crevasse requires a high level of experience from the Mountaineer. When walking across a snow-covered glacier, your best bet for safety is having the leader of your team roped to at least two other members and having them walk along a straight line, following the leader. That will prevent him from falling down to the bottom of a hidden crevasse in case he accidentally steps into one. But to be sure, everyone traveling across glaciers must have had crevasse rescue training.


• Ice slopes – When walking through slopes covered in ice or hard snow, Crampons are a must-have. Crampons are sets of metal spikes that can be attached to the bottom of your shoe. These help by piercing through the ice or snow, providing a solid grip on an otherwise slippery surface. Another good tool to have is an Ice Axe, a pole with a pickaxe on top and a spike at the bottom, the latter being used to provide stability and balance while walking on ice just like a walking stick.


• Snow slopes – These are more common than hard snow or ice slopes. Snow slopes are generally easy to climb, but be careful of bergschrunds. These are wide crevasses usually found at the foot of the slope, and are mostly too wide to be traversed by merely leaping or jumping across them. Crossing a bergschrund requires the use of a bridge, which can be quite tricky to set up. Before crossing a snow slope, remember to note the quality of the snow. A new layer of snow on ice can be dangerous because it can easily result in an avalanche when crossed. The best kind of snow to cross is the harder type, which can be found early in the morning. In the afternoon, as the day heats up, the snow tends to soften. That’s why it is ideal to start Hiking during the early morning hours.


• Weather – Yes, the weather is a hazard too. This is because weather contributes largely to the changes in rock and ice formations, thus initiating other hazards like falling rocks and ice. Not only that, rain can make it very difficult to see the trail, making Hiking much more grueling than during normal conditions. And during thunderstorms, lightning may occur. Since lightning is attracted to high points on the ground, standing on or near the mountain summit during lightning storms is very dangerous. So before Hiking, it is a must to know the weather conditions. Better stay at home on a bad weather day and Hike some other day than Hike during bad weather and get injured or even killed in the process.