RISKS:

Mountaineering is generally being considered dangerous. Due to the remoteness to civilisation and due to the extreme climate, mountaineering in the arctic wilderness of Greenland comprises several risks, that do not exist in the alpine areas of Central Europe. Solely knowledge and experience to deal with these conditions will make such an expedition survivable. In depth preparation and perfect equipment are absolute basics for a safe conduct.
Extreme Cold

While in Central Europe during April/May temperatures become comfortably warm, we expect bitter cold up to –35°C in the mountains of Greenland, with highs of maximum -15°C. On the summits severe windchill will increase the effects of frost. Only during the last week of our expedition, when the polar day will allow for 24 hours of sunshine, we expect a significant rise in temperatures.

The arctic cold will be countered with expedition clothing from our sponsor Vaude. Event-membrane and wind proof softshells will form the outer layer. Underneath fleece will be worn. For breaks and during extremely cold temperatures we carry extra warm down jackets with us.
Some pieces of equipment will be carried twice as backup, such as sunglasses, woolhats and mitten gloves, since the loss thereof could be catastrophic. Our skiboots have to be extra insulated with foil, thermosoles and foam.
We will spend the nights in Vaude down sleeping bags with extra down fillings (special prototype for arctic expeditions) and using Thermarest insulating mattresses. Several tests in Vaude´s climate chamber proved the effectivity of our equipment down to –35°C.

Also see Clothing and Camp Equipment
Wind

In Greenland strong winds are common. Especially in coastal regions the “Pitaraq” reaches speeds up to 120km/h. Wind chill can be a severe danger. It has to be considered that a windspeed of 50km/h at temperatures of –25°C will feel like –50°C.
White-out

During snowstorms or conditions of low ceilings/fog we may encounter total white-out. Navigation then is only possible with GPS and compass.

Also see Special Equipment
Crevasses

Falling into a glacier crevasse is the trickiest of all dangers in Greenland. Glaciers there are huge, and so are the crevasses. Snow may be covering them, so they can not be recognized from the surface. When we use the snowkites to cover large distances, it is obviously impossible to be connected to each other with a rope. But in areas with a lot of crevasses as well as in the mountains we continue by foot using extreme caution and where necessary ropes and harnesses from our sponsor Edelrid.

Also see Mtn. Equipment



Alpine Risks

Other alpine risks such as avalanches, icefall and adverse weather cannot be disregarded either. The same principle as in all other mountain ranges around the world applies: Key to success is a solid strategy and sensible consideration of current conditions.

Also see Mtn. Equipment


Injuries

Mountain climbing, skiing on steep and probably icy slopes, snowkiting, possible crevasse falls or even a polar bear encounter all bear considerable potential for severe injuries. Next to the standard equipment for alpine ventures, our expedition first aid kit comprises strong pain relief, antibiotics, medication against frostbite and snowblindness, as well as a surgical sewing kit.
Bone fractures or lifethreatening illnesses though will lead to an immediate abort. Using our pulkas an emergency transport of an injured person including essential equipment, food and fuel to an emergency pickup point is possible.


Polar bears

Though rarely encountered in Greenland mountains (bears prefer the coastal regions for natural food) we have to be prepared for possible polar bear encounters. They will not restrain from attacking humans, and even if the bear doesn´t directly attack ourselves, the loss of a tent, sleeping bag or considerable amounts of food or fuel may put us into a lifethreatening situation.
At night the situation is the most critical. A selfmade alarm fence with tripwires will hopefully awake us in time before a bear gets too close to react. Our last line of defence is a large caliber hunting rifle.

Also see Special Equipment


(Foto: Strato)
Timeschedule and fuel reserve

At this time of the year water in Greenland only exists in form of ice and snow. Temeratures are expected to be well below freezing for the entire time of the expedition. So every single drop of water has to melted. No fuel - no water, no water - no live. Most of our food is dried expedition meals (Trekking-Mahlzeiten), that also require water. A delay in our timeschedule depleting our fuel reserves may therefore quickly put us into an dangerous situation.
Though fuel is critical, it is also heavy and has to be carried. Hence a solid fuel calculation is among our No.1 priorities. After extensive trials we calculate with a consumption of up to 0.5 l of fuel per day and will carry 18 liters of white gas along to run our two MSR expedition stoves.

Also see Camp Equipment, Energy and Food


Home: www.ArcticSummits.de