PHZ report – February 20, 2012

The weather changed from bad to worse – Agnieszka kicks in.

Agna on the Ice Fall

As we have informed you earlier, at 7,000 m above sea level there is strong wind and it is impossible to take any actions. However, we can operate up to 6,000 m above sea level. We have decided to use the situation and transport assault loads (designed for future summit attempt) to camp 1. But carrying anything and walking through the Ice Fall (9 km) is not something that we enjoy most. Moreover, one of our porters, Ali Sadpara, has been eliminated from our operations due to the second-degree frostbites. Thus, Agnieszka has kicked in. On 18th February, Agnieszka together with Shaheen Baig went with a deposit to camp 1 and returned on 19th February to the base camp. It was the last moment to do it, because on 20th February a hurricane is supposed to start. Wind speed at 6,000 m above sea level (and also in the base camp) is supposed to reach over 100 km/h and at 8,000 m above sea level even 160 km/h.

Relation of output to the camp I Agny

On 19th February all men stayed in the base camp trying to strengthen it and prepare the tents for the coming weather conditions. After several days we will be able to estimate how well we have prepared. Weather forecasts fill us with hope that we will be able to continue our operations above 7,000 m above sea level once the storm passes, what is to happen between 25th and 28th February.

Regards
Agna, Artur, Adam i Janusz