Sunday, June 17, 2012

Denali Team 7: June 10 to June 30 (private) - Dispatch #8


Guides: Richard Riquelme, Ben Gardner, David Farkas

Climbers: Guy Munnoch, John Moorhouse, Andrew Jenkins, Andrew May, Sid Ratnavelu, Graham Dawson, Jeremy Middleton

Richard called June 17th at 11:15pm PST with the following dispatch: Today we are taking our first weather day. Yesterday we did a cache at 13,400 with perfect weather. After AJ commented about the perfect weather and no wind at windy corner we got jinxed. 


We got hit by high winds and snow and had really poor visibility. Then we had to navigate the crevasses around where the recent avalanche and fatalities happened. By the end of the day we made it safe and sound to camp. We were all very grateful to get a warm meal and hit the tents. Today we are just hunkering down waiting for better weather 


We have a variety of wind slab avalanche hazards, the slab is varrying in thinkness due to recent rapid changes in precipation and wind, we have a graupel layer that is of particular concern. We are ready to move to 14 when the weather allows, but are also watching the snow layers very carefully to make sure things have compacted and or slid there is a lot of rumbling out there lately. Hopefully, tomorrow will be good, according to the forecast there should be a window. Everyone is doing well and ready for the next step.


We will call later when the group can be together and try to get you messages and send some back.


(Administrative note: your comments do not automatically post they go to administrators for approval before being posted. Regarding texts to SAT phones: they are receiving many of your texts, however SAT phones are not cell phones so due to battery management, official communication needs, safety, and the generally challenging nature of texting with SAT phones, text responses will be minimal at best.)

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like a challenging day!! I hope you're ok Sid, I'm thinking of you all the time. Love you lots xxxxx

Nola said...

Hi andy-- pretty scary terrain,sounds as if you could use a flotation device-- thinking of you .love you ,Nola

Unknown said...

Hi Sid, me again :). Spoke to Dad earlier and he wanted me to say Hi to you - he couldn't work out how to leave a comment hehe. Your Mum also emailed me and sends her love :) and Nithya also says Hi. Basically we're all thinking of you :) x

karen said...

Hi Mr M, sounds interesting conditions so no playing out and being Peter Pan. Welsh run changed due to adverse weather conditions on the mountain, rain but no snow!
Hash all asking after you. Missing you so much, Love you KJM

to Richard from Laura said...

Take care of yourself (and others) out there. Sending you lots of love and wishes for stable snowpack. Laura and Sammy "The Pirate"

OJ said...

Go Team Sid! The summit's just around the corner... Some words of wisdom: don't eat yellow snow!

Graeme Harker said...

Hi guys
Wishing you all the best for the days ahead!
Keep cool!
Graeme