Mushroom on Aconcagua. The...

Mushroom on Aconcagua. The next morning an enormous mushroom appears above Aconcagua. A 24-hour snowstorm starts later that day. "The Central Argentine Andes and Mt. Aconcagua in particular receive the humidity of the winds that come from the anticyclonic centers of the Pacific Ocean. The climactic phenomenon known as the Zonda wind has an explanation similar to the Fohn of Europe. Strong winds from the West sometimes blow in the high altitudes, affecting the high part of the mountain (5500 meters and above), forming a big mushroom or lentil shaped cloud. Even in good weather, in Plaza de Mulas, the presence of the mushroom is an unmistakable sign of strong wind and precipitation in the altitude. Entering into the interior of this mushroom can have a fatal result. When the formation is observed it is necessary to abandon the upper part of the mountain." (text Copyright aconcagua.com) 'Enjoy' the thundering winds... 21 January 2003, 9:10