Storm Farers  – Part Two of a Fictitious Story About How Things  Can Wrong in the Backcountry

 Mountainwatch | Doug Chatten

 A fictitious story from our friends at Snowy Mountains Backcountry about how things can go wrong in the backcountry. If you missed part one you can read it here.

On the exposed climb up Mt Twynam the group that started out very dusty but cheery and excited when they were down low in the protection of the trees, began to space out beyond ear shot on the long-haul ascent into the alpine. Due to different fitness levels, skins failing on the wind-scoured surface, the reduced glide from the high traction skins, heavy set ups and loss of vision in the patchy cloud it was slow going.  However, the disjointed team eventually all arrived at Twynam Saddle, but 30 minutes apart and well behind schedule.

Because of the whiteout conditions and strong winds at 2050 metres, they were struggling to see or hear each other, but a short-lived clear spell had allowed the crew to reunite. They managed to orient themselves on Johnny’s map (the only one in the group) and ascertain the direction of Blue Lake, only a short distance below.

Tired from a longer climb than any he’d previously experienced, Johnny said he was heading back because of the difficult going and suggested they all enjoy the long descent back to the Snowy River. However, Sid lobbied hard for the group to stay together and continue with their proposed intentions. He reasoned that the post frontal conditions should see a calming trend and that Blue Lake was not even a kilometre away and all downhill.

Unbeknown to the new friends, there was another cold front closely following the first. Not convinced, a tired and hungover Johnny decided to return, leaving the saddle on his own.

Nancy felt pressured by Sid and headed off with him to Blue Lake and after almost flailing off the massive cornice descended on challenging, steep hard pack to the lake. Making confident turns Nancy stopped half way down and chaperoned Sid to the bottom, surprised to see him struggle, fall and slide for 20metres coming to a stop just before a 10-metre rock band.

It was too steep to skin out and because they were unable to lash skis to their resort-style backpacks they tried to boot pack with skis on shoulders. However, they couldn’t find traction on the steep firm conditions and, unable to climb, decided to skin via the gentler slopes to the skier’s right of the glacial cirque.

Enveloped in a whiteout and driving snow they soon came to a stop, barely able to see their ski tips. Even if they had Johnny’s map and compass because of their inexperience and unfamiliarity with the terrain. the poor visibility would have rendered the nav gear useless.

By now the wind had picked up to gale force and Johnny’s retreat option seemed rather favourable! Making their way by brail Sid and Nancy moved toward the base of the cliffs and took shelter in a wind scour. There was no letting up in the conditions and the distraught novices were becoming aware of the likelihood that their limited experience and bad decisions may see them getting to know each other a lot better.

Unable to get phone reception, the duo formulated a plan and using the group’s only shovel punched through the hard layer and fashioned a small snow hole. Climbing through the small opening they changed into down jackets under their shells and sitting on their packs covered themselves with space blankets from their first aid kits. Nancy was already shivering out of control and Sid, who became sweaty and warm whilst digging the shelter, was now seriously hypothermic.

Again, from information they had read online, the two placed adhesive hand warmers on their thermals in their groin and under each armpit. By now snow was blowing into their sanctuary, so Sid blocked the entrance with some cut blocks leaving a small gap for ventilation. Realising that Johnny had the PLB they were unable to raise the alarm. However, they were certain he would, and hoped that help wouldn’t be far away.

Standby for Part 3 to see how the Exposed & Embarrassed BC enthusiasts get on.