Annapurna Winter Attempt and Tragedy. Eight South Koreans with nine Nepalese were led by Kim Teuk-Hee on the north face of Annapurna. Ice avalanches injured several members and Sherpas. At midday on December 2 during route preparation at 5800 meters, at the beginning of the steep section, a big avalanche started from 200 meters higher and struck three members and three Sherpas, leaving them with injuries to legs, fingers, shoulder and head. They were not wearing helmets. With this accident and the expectation of more to come, and the fact that three other members were suffering from the high altitude, the climb was abandoned. Avalanching is common on the north face of Annapurna. On the retreat from Base Camp, Jun Suk-Byun fell 50 meters down hard-crusted snow on the second day of the trek back and died 6½ hours later.

Elizabeth Hawley