The Winds of Everest Punish the Summit

The Jetstream's Movement

Effectively, you can’t reach the summit of Mt. Everest until the Jet Stream moves, which can be a frustrating waiting game. Fortunately, around March and April each year the jet stream migrates northward. This magical movement creates a ‘climbing window’ that lasts until approximately late May.

This seasonal movement is influenced by changes in temperature gradients between the equator and the poles, as well as other atmospheric dynamics. Himalayan climbing teams time their expeditions to jive with the Jetstream’s migration phenomenon. That timing is proving difficult this year as the winds on the upper mountain remain strong, currently moving violently at over 100 Knots.

IMG Patiently Waits

International Mountain Guides. “IMG” is back on Everest this year with two climbing teams working their way up the mountain. IMG has vast experience in the Himalayas, having lead guided climbs on several 8,000 meter peaks including Mt. Everest, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. IMG has over 600 summits on Mt. Everest, so they remain patient in waiting out the fickle Jetstream, while they prepare for their eventual push to the summit. Here is the latest update from IMG owner Eric Simonson, and IMG’s team on Everest:

IMG Dispatch from Everest

“It’s the time of the season that everyone starts to pay close attention to the weather reports! Our custom weather forecaster says that the jet stream is moving across the Himalayas, with winds currently over 100 knots at the summit of Everest. Ang Jangbu reports from Everest BC that most of the IMG climbers have descended down to Pangboche for a few days of rest at lower altitude. Up on Everest, we’ve heard that some teams lost their big tents at Camp 2. Our sherpas at Camp 2 have kept our camp from blowing away, thanks to their hard work!”

Safe climbing to all!