Good picture - and a useful one for people attempting this route. I've crossed this couloir several times, once also much later than I intended due to getting involved in a rescue. I agree it is much more dangerous to cross than it looks. You used to be able to clip into the fixed cable (shown in your picture) so if you fell at least you couldn't fall into the cravasse - you just hung on the cable getting hit by rocks! But it looks like snow shrinkage has left it too high now.
a perfect picture of what you feel when crossing that couloir. We suffered a rather serious rock avalanche on our way up to the Gouter hut, and I must say it was one of the scariest experiences I've ever had on a mountain.
Doc_M - Aug 19, 2007 11:24 am - Voted 10/10
shooting galleryGood picture - and a useful one for people attempting this route. I've crossed this couloir several times, once also much later than I intended due to getting involved in a rescue. I agree it is much more dangerous to cross than it looks. You used to be able to clip into the fixed cable (shown in your picture) so if you fell at least you couldn't fall into the cravasse - you just hung on the cable getting hit by rocks! But it looks like snow shrinkage has left it too high now.
Howard
eza - Feb 18, 2008 9:34 am - Voted 10/10
You have given...a perfect picture of what you feel when crossing that couloir. We suffered a rather serious rock avalanche on our way up to the Gouter hut, and I must say it was one of the scariest experiences I've ever had on a mountain.