Navigating the Dangers: Manaslu Avalanche Awareness and Safety Measures

24 Dec 2023 Chandra Gurung

For climbers that embark on the journey of summiting Manaslu, the “Mountain of the Spirits” has a paramount respect for its power. However, the white demons of the Himalayas whisper in the wind and demand awareness and necessary preparation for the Manaslu Avalanche.

Manaslu is indeed a dream of every climber, with mesmerizing terrain, snow-capped towering peaks, glacial lakes, mighty and rolling hills, and a rich natural and cultural sanctuary.

But beneath the breathtaking beauty of Manaslu, there lies a secret language of avalanches and a hidden graveyard with bodes etched in the snowpack.

Table of Contents

Is Manaslu Avalanche Risky?

This fear of avalanches you have cannot overshadow your dream of conquering Manaslu. With the necessary wits and information about such hurdles, you can sharpen your knowledge and step onto the mountain with the confidence of emerging victorious.

Navigating the dangers of the Manaslu Avalanches is not only about being aware of the injuries and dangers. It is more about empowering the climb with confidence and embracing the thrills of Manaslu.

This guide is more of a conversation with shared wisdom passed down from the climbers who have known Manaslu’s power while savoring its magic.

Recent casualties in Manaslu Trek

You have a layer of snow on a slope that can only bear so much of a load. When you exceed that load, it collapses. There are times when Manaslu is filled with bodies due to avalanches. Dozens and dozens of climbers become injured, critically ill, and dead due to the challenges that arise during the Manaslu Trek.

One of the most recent avalanches that took place in the Manaslu area was between Camp 3 and Camp 4 in Manaslu on a Sunday morning on October 1, 2022. It was reported that the avalanche destroyed more than 30 tents and 6 camps with no significant death casualties. Nonetheless, the mountain took the life of a Nepali guide Dawa Chhiring Sherpa while descending from Camp 2.

What are the Types of Manaslu Avalanches you will be facing?

No wonder Manaslu is an alluring destination for trekkers. However, you need to be aware of the different types of risks present on its slopes. Here is a breakdown of the different types of avalanches you might encounter on your journey to Manaslu:

1. Dry avalanches

Dry avalanches are considered one of the most dangerous types of avalanches which involve the sudden release of a cohesive snow slab. Such avalanches are triggered by cold and dry snowpack. Dry avalanches travel at incredibly high speeds and are capable of burying climbers under tons of snow. Natural factors such as increasing temperature and seismic activities can also cause such avalanches.

2. Wet avalanches

When the snow starts to melt and heavy rain saturates the snowpack, making it unstable, wet avalanches start to occur. Such avalanches will flow rapidly down the mountainside, and carry rocks and ice. They can bury entire valleys and flow for long distances.

3. Loose snow avalanches

When the small volumes of loose, dry snow cascade down slopes, loose snow avalanches take place. While less serious than other types, they can still injure climbers and trigger larger avalanches.

4. Purging avalanches

These natural avalanches occur when the accumulated snowpack on a slope becomes overloaded and released spontaneously. You might never know when purging avalanches can arrive because they are unpredictable and thus, make it dangerous for climbers.

Manaslu Avalanche Safety Guide for Conquering Mt. Manaslu

Although an avalanche is often sudden and could cause a huge disaster, it is always wise to remain cautious about it. A well-equipped mind will be a key for conquering Manaslu. Here are some of the major avalanche safety techniques you are recommended to consider:

1. Selection of Gears

Selection of the right gear and types of equipment is a must when you embark on any trek. Following are some of the essentials you cannot miss during your Manaslu Trek:

Transceiver- with digital search capabilities and easy-to-use
Probe- a metal extension that pierces the snowpack
Shovel- lightweight and with an ergonomic handle for rescue
Backpacks with airbags- shields against the white onslaught and easily inflatable
Clothes- breathable, quick drying and waterproof.

2. Training Your Mind

Manaslu as a mountain demands respect. This means you are expected to invest in proper avalanche training. Such training includes:

3. Companion rescue

You will need to practice search and rescue drills with your climbing partners. This can help you during any chaos and avalanche.

4. Manaslu Avalanche gear mastery

Only getting essential gear is not enough. You should be able to operate them efficiently. Becoming fluent in your transceiver, probe, and shovel is necessary. Also, you can practice deploying, searching, and digging in some of the realistic scenarios.

5. Identifying avalanche topography

Having basic knowledge regarding slope angles, wind patterns, and snowpack history is necessary for your trek in Manaslu. If you can identify such red flags, you will have a smooth and safe trek.

What to do during an avalanche?

Whenever the snow transforms from the cam white blanket to thundering ice, it is natural for you to panic. However, when you get caught in such a grasp, you need to remain patient and survive in such chaos with clear actions and unwavering resolve in the Manaslu avalanche.

When you get caught in an avalanche:

Stay calm: Breathe deeply and focus on your survival instinct while remembering your training.
Self-arrest with an axe, spread legs and arms to increase surface area.
Activate your airbag backpack immediately to remain above the snow.

Sometimes when the avalanche is over without any harm to you, you will also make sure the other partners are safe.

Proceed to rescue others:

Check yourself with any injuries and ability to move
Activate your transceiver and switch to send mode
Have a quick visual scan, and switch your transceiver to receive mode to follow the signals.
Once the signal narrows down, use your probe to coordinate shoveling and uncover your friend.

In case of any emergency response

what should you do during an emergency response? Here is what:

Administer first aid for a rescued person as per your training and available resources.
Move the rescued person to a sheltered area and provide warmth
Contact emergency services with a satellite communication device to send SOS signals

Conclusion

The majestic beauty and formidable challenge of Manaslu-the eighth-highest peak in the world–beckons climbers. But beneath its icy crown lies a silent threat: the constant threat of avalanches. To master Manaslu means to engage in a delicately fragile dance with these powers of nature, one where physical strength alone is not enough, mental preparedness is equally necessary as well.

Respect the mountain’s power, hear the local guide’s wise counsel, and never risk your life in such a way. In the end, climbing Manaslu is not about conquering a mountain. It is all about overcoming your fear and putting safety first before summit fever.

Therefore, the climber onward but with eyes wide open and a heart full of caution on the Manaslu avalanche. Let Manaslu challenge your strength, not your stupidity. The true reward for this odyssey is not to the top, but back home again with a new sunrise – an expression of your respect for the mountain and also your existence.

May your climb be as beautiful and thrilling as the mountain itself, and may you bring home stories more valuable than any summit trophy!