Asia, Tibet, Mount Everest, Summer Attempts

Publication Year: 1996.

Mount Everest, Summer Attempts. While the monsoon weather was dumping large amounts of snow on the mountain, three summer attempts were made from Tibet: one by a Swiss expedition and two by small American teams. None were successful. American David Breashears was caught by a huge wind slab avalanche about 30 meters below the North Col at 7000 meters. His life was saved by a previous expedition's fixed rope, which he had clipped. He said, "It made me realize how mortal I was," and went home.

Elizabeth Hawley