Managing High-Altitude Storms During an Expedition
Lightning at the Mount Everest summit is rare but incredibly dangerous. In the thin air of a Mount Everest expedition, electrical storms can arrive with little warning, turning ice axes and crampons into lightning rods.
Climbers often report a 'buzzing' sound from their gear or hair standing on end. These are signs of extreme static buildup. On the exposed Mount Everest summit ridge, this is the signal to descend immediately.
A tent provides little protection against a direct strike. The best safety during an electrical storm on an Everest trekking peak is to stay away from ridges and metallic objects until the sky clears.
Electrical storms can fry the satellite phones and radios needed for Mount Everest expedition communication. Protecting these devices in waterproof, insulated containers is a standard part of high-altitude safety.
The Mount Everest summit is a place of raw power. Understanding the weather is just as important as having the physical strength to climb.
