Knowing the possible dangers of mountaineering will help know the situation you’re getting into as a mountain climber. This knowledge can also be a lifesaver if you get lost in the hills. Whatever purpose you find yourself in a mountain environment, the cold, rough & rocky terrain of the mountainside is a horrible place to be.
From icy conditions & freezing temps to wildlife & altitude sickness, you have a lot to prepare for in knowledge & gear to survive every adversity that the mountain hauls at you.
6 Possible Dangers of Mountaineering
Avalanches & Falling Ice
Avalanches happen when a part of ice or snow breaks away from the mountain & starts rolling downward with great speed. Due to the speed of movement, an avalanche can hit the ground with a huge amount of force. It can, in fact, pick up rocks & break through trees as it descends.
To avoid a devastating avalanche fall, make it a habit to look at the terrain above & around you. Steep slopes & areas of the mountain that get a lot of sunlight are to be avoided. Just so you know, there are several types of avalanches, and it’s needless to say you don’t want to be caught by anyone.
Rockslides
Much like avalanches, rock slides occur when a rocky part of the mountain breaks off & travels downhill. To identify these areas, look out for places with pieces of rocks spread down the hillside. If you need to move across a place like this, you have to do so with urgency, all the while keeping your head on a swivel.
Wildlife Attacks
Mountainous terrains are home to a couple of wildlife, including wolves, bears, big cats & antlered games. Most of the time, a lot of these large predators have no interest in you (or anyone), but they may act out of fear or to protect their young ones.
The first rule for dealing with such predators is to make loud noises before you get in their presence, so they are not startled or panicked when they see you. Continue making this noise even after they see you. You should make yourself appear larger by raising your arms majestically with your chest puffed out.
Note that it is forbidden to turn your back to animals like this or attempt to run, as doing so may cause you to be identified as prey.
Temperature
Freezing temps are a must in higher altitudes. And with the possibility that 3 hours of exposure to extremely cold weather can lead to hypothermia, you see how dicey your situation is. You need to work out ways to keep up your body temp through some methods, such as fire, proper clothing, shelter, or exercising.
Absence of Resources
The higher your position on a mountainside, the less likely it becomes to find essential resources. Should this be the case, you may need to go downhill to find resources.
Concluding the Possible Dangers of Mountaineering
Depending on your health, there may be other possible dangers of mountaineering. Issues that may come up include altitude sickness & breaking off of the edges. Take note of these & read our next article to find the necessary gear to pack on a mountaineering trip.