Feb 8, 2011 – Avalanche Hits Gasherbrum II Team

After achieving the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II, the team of Simone Moro, Denis Urubko and Cory Richards were hit with an avalanche during their descent from the summit. Luckily, the three climbers escaped with relatively minor injuries.

Heavy snow had slowed the team’s progress forcing them to spend more time crossing the dangerous zone underneath Gasherbrum V. It was in this area that the team was hit by the avalanche and swept downhill approximately 150 m. Richards and Urubko were mostly buried, but were able to breath as their faces remained above the snow. Moro was able to free himself and dig out the other two. The excitement however did not end as poor visibility resulted in Richards falling into a crevasse. After being pulled out by Moro and Urubko the team carefully made their way back to camp.

Richards summed up the team’s feelings when they were safe at base camp . “We are all very happy and lucky and I think very grateful to be alive. Period.”

More details here.