K2 2004 started with 3 deaths (click here) before the Italian expedition even arrived at base camp with porters dying on the trek to the mountain. Early in June four South Koreans climbers and two Sherpas were caught in an avalanche on K2. One of the South Koreans Climbers was OK, and both Sherpas are fine, the other three Korean climbers were found dead at Base camp in their sleeping bags in a crevice. According to the Korea times, the names are Lee Hwa-hyong, 36, Kim Jae-yong, 35, and Pae Kyong-kyu, 34. All were part of the 11 members Korean team from POSCO steel.
Noted in the picture below is a sparcity of ice and snow. That is a real 'clue' to the chance of such a tragedy odds of occurrence. The K2 Summit is very steep. Due to that fact and the fact it has high wind exposure, it is actually more dangerous than Mt. Everest could ever be. There is no way any ice or snow accumulation would ever 'hold' to the mountain for long. So, although these are experienced climbers using every means of protection to secure their position on the face of K2, they ignored the opportunity for danger by ignoring potentials of falling ice and snow. In the year 2008, it is 'expected' the optimal climbing condtions for K2 would be free of snow and ice.
Wilco van Rooijen, of the Netherlands, was injured on the treacherous Himalayan peak.
This is the summit when snow covered. Noted the surrounding mountain has little snow or ice cover.
This is a borrowed picture to illustrate the absence of snow and ice at the K2 Summit. The reason for same is linked to the dense cloud cover. With clouds come insulating warmth that separates the summit, which is exposed to the sun, from the supporting colder climate below and vise versa.
This is 'in the shadows' of K2. There is a direct link between the 'cold climatability' of K2 at the summit and the ice rivers that exist in its shadow. The surrounding mountains have snow on the same side and have absense of same on the same side. Wind and climate play a huge roll in the stability of the ice and snow found at the summit. The summit interacts with the climate of the surrounding mountains.
The location of K2 brings climbers the view of many countries. From that vantage point all wars and conflicts seem hideous when one realizes 'the boundary lines' of sovereignty are truly 'manmade' and lack the reality of survival at the peak.
