On February 17, a group of 12 climbers became stranded in bad weather on Pico de Orizaba (18,491 feet). The group, belonging to a club called Barracracks, had left the trailhead on the southern side of the mountain before being caught in bad weather around 16,700 feet. A cold front had been forecasted, and when it arrived, the mountain was encased in new snow and ice above the 16,000-foot level.

When news that the climbers were missing went out, a search began. Authorities said that the team had not registered, so their climbing plans were unknown. Reports suggest that the group lost their way and became separated.

Helicopters and ground rescuers searched both the south and north sides of the volcano for three days. During that time, five climbers retraced their steps to the original trailhead. One climber managed to reach the northern trailhead after traversing the mountain. Survivors were admitted to the hospital with bruises, hypothermia, and frostbite. Unfortunately, three perished from exposure. These were the group’s guide, Luis Flores (57), and climbers José Luis Díaz Morales (57) and Jessica N. (39). Searchers found their bodies during the week following the storm.

ANALYSIS

Pico de Orizaba is a straightforward mountaineering route when in good conditions, but that can quickly change in bad weather. While aware of the forecast, the team may have believed they could summit and descend before the storm arrived. Details are scarce. What is clear is that, despite being technically moderate, this peak presents many hazards. Four people died in a fall on the mountain in August 2023 (see ANAC 2024). (Sources: Explorersweb.com and infobae.com.)