Shishapangma Attempt. Our Shishapangma (Xixabangma) expedition degenerated into a reconnaissance when a number of the expedition could not go. Although technically easy, the route on the mountain is not free of objective danger. A large slab avalanche ran over 2000 feet of the route from Camp III to Camp IV. A rope of three climbers just missed being caught by another large slide between Camps II and III. The combination of high September snowfall and high October winds and cold temperatures created a high windslab avalanche risk which persisted during most of October.

Gerald A. Roach