Dhaulagiri, Winter Ascent. A Japanese expedition led by So Anma made a successful winter ascent of Dhaulagiri on December 13 by the normal northeast ridge when Akio Koizumi and Sherpa Wangdu reached the summit. They bivouacked on the descent in a snow hole at 26,000 feet. Three other members made a summit attempt three days later but were thwarted by strong winds.