Glacier fieldwork safety and crevasse rescue techniques

About the training

We are collaborating with  Nepal National Mountaineering Guide Association (NNMGA) to organise a refresher training on glacier safety and mountaineering rescue for our cryosphere researchers and members of partner organisations in the region.

This refresher course will introduce or reacquaint participants with basic mountaineering safety skills and rescue techniques such as knowledge of different knots, walking safely on the glacier and crevasse crossing technique, self-rescue from crevasses and rescuing another person from a crevasse etc.

Objectives

• Ensure that those working on and around glaciers have knowledge of safety techniques on the glacier.
• Improve self-confidence of researchers in difficult situations and ensure reliable glacier measurements.
• Confidence in use of mountaineering equipment and techniques performing crevasse self-rescue and comrade-rescue.
• Build capacity for cryosphere research professionals, and students from the HKH.

The training is organised by experienced cryosphere researchers from Action Area A: Managing cryosphere and water risks (AAA) under the Strategic Group -1: Reducing climate and environment risks and conducted by experts from Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Instructors

Lakpa Sherpa, International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA)/Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA)

Pasang Kaji Sherpa, IFMGA/NNMGA

Gyalje Sherpa, IFMGA/NNMGA

Background

Data collection on glaciers and in challenging mountain terrain is a core activity for cryosphere related research. Fieldwork on glaciers often exposes researchers to challenges such as snowstorms, crevasses, steep and slippery glacier terrain. It is essential for researchers to understand how to avoid accidents, and to be self-sufficient if one occurs, including being in self-rescue and partner-rescue due to the remoteness of these locations. The safety of researchers and the data collection team is of paramount importance for the sustainability of fieldwork and long-term cryosphere monitoring.

Session summary