Blog #1 3rd Quarter

Snow gamble that ended in tragedy for climbers

By Paul Kelbie and David Smith

In the mountains of the Scottish Highlands a group of men risked their lives by staying their journey climbing the mountain even with the risk of an avalanche. 3 of the men lost their life’s in the avalanche, one man managed to get off the mountain and call for help and then was brought into the hospital with major shoulder injuries. A mountaineer who was familiar to the mountain said, "As the first climber neared the top, a slab of snow, around 300 meters wide, slipped and gave way." 9 climbers total were rescued. The Avalanche Information Service website said that the chance of an avalanche was considerable. In my opinion I don't see how if you know that there is a large possibility that there is an avalanche that you shouldn't be taking the risk to climb the mountain in the first place.

Kelbie, Paul. Smith, David. "Snow gamble that ended in tragedy for climbers." The Observer 25 Jan 2009 1. 2 Feb 2009 .