A devastating avalanche claimed the lives of five German climbers on a popular peak in northern Italy’s Ortler Alps. The incident highlights the persistent dangers of high altitude mountaineering in the region.
The Deadly Avalanche Unleashes ChaosThe climbers were at Cima Vertana, a 3,545 meter mountain in South Tyrol, when the avalanche hit around 4 p.m. The average snow was fast moving and swept the two groups away from higher than 11,500 feet. It would seem the slide was triggered by an unfortunate formation of recent snow drifts which had subsequently failed to bond well with underlying layers of ice.
Experts are in doubt of the wisdom of climbing at that time in the evening due to increased risks descending with darkness. The Ortler Alps, one of the larger Dolomites, are frequented by German adventurers because of the close range and difficulty. This area sees frequent avalanche activity.
Victims Include a Father and Daughter
The avalanche terminated the lives of five German nationals from three independent groups. An entire group of three fellow climbers was buried by snow, and a second pair, the father and his daughter aged 17, was dragged down a gully and buried. The girl was a glaring illustration of the family character of some of these expeditions. Two members of a third party survived and subsequently alerted rescuers.
Rescue Teams Battle Harsh Conditions
It was the two survivors who raised the first alarms, which prompted the activation of the Italian Alpine rescue service. The teams from Solda Alpine Rescue, fire brigades and others used helicopters and drones on Saturday. They were able to recover the bodies of two men and one woman, but the light disappeared quickly and they had to suspend the operation.
There was fog early on Sunday, and low visibility delayed the operation. Nonetheless, the helicopters landed at 2600m, and the rescuers continued on foot with avalanche dogs. They managed to locate the father and daughter by late morning amidst deteriorating weather at such altitude. Spokesman Olaf Reinstadler from Sulden Mountain rescue described the adversities.
Underlying Causes and Growing Risks
These are the so-called common dangers in the Italian Alps, fresh snowfall, poor bond to the underneath snowpack and unstable drifts. Analysts posit that as more and more people begin to adventurously follow their own tracks in the backcountry after fresh snowfall, there is definitely a trend of soaring numbers of accidents. Ski mountaineers and free riders are the ones facing high danger.
