Whiteout

Definition: The term "whiteout" describes a weather condition in which visibility is greatly reduced because of snow, fog, or sunlight reflecting off snow-covered ground. In these conditions contrast and depth perception disappear, making it hard to tell the sky from the ground and from the surrounding objects. This situation can be extremely dangerous for hikers, mountaineers and pilots, since navigation becomes very complicated.

Etymology: The term "whiteout" is English and suggests a "whitening" or a "total whiting-out", an accurate description of the visual effect in which everything looks white.

Hiking notes: In whiteout conditions, route-finding becomes particularly difficult. Hikers and mountaineers must be prepared to face these situations with the right equipment and the skills needed to navigate safely. It is essential to carry navigation tools such as a compass, GPS and maps, as well as suitable clothing to protect yourself from the intense cold.

Main features:

• Reduced visibility: Visibility can drop to a few metres or even to zero, making it hard to see obstacles or follow a path.
• Loss of orientation: The absence of contrast makes it impossible to tell sky from ground, increasing the risk of getting lost.
• Disorienting effect: A whiteout can cause confusion and dizziness, as the sense of direction and balance are thrown off.

Safety and preparation:

• Equipment: It is essential to carry a compass, an altimeter, a GPS and detailed maps of the area. Emergency signals, such as whistles and lights, can also be useful.
• Clothing: Wear layers of technical clothing that provide thermal insulation and protection against wind and damp.
• Navigation: Use navigation techniques based on known reference points, follow GPS tracks or use visual markers such as poles or flags.
• Shelter: If possible, take shelter until conditions improve. Avoid moving through dangerous or unfamiliar areas during a whiteout.

Examples of dangerous situations:

• Mountaineering: During an ascent, a whiteout can make you lose the way back or lead to errors of judgement that can prove fatal.
• Hiking: On open ground, the loss of visibility can take you off the route, leading to emergencies.
• Skiing: Skiers can lose their bearings and end up off-piste, with the risk of avalanches or falls on difficult terrain.

Prevention:

• Planning: Check the weather forecast before setting off and always have an emergency plan.
• Training: Be trained in navigation techniques and in emergency procedures for whiteout conditions.
• Communication: Carry reliable communication devices so that you can call for help if needed.

Tragically famous whiteout stories

There are many famous stories of whiteouts in the high mountains that show how dangerous these conditions are and how important preparation and caution are. Here are some of the best known:

1. The Everest tragedy (1996)

Description: During the May 1996 climbing season, a violent snowstorm hit Everest, causing whiteout conditions that trapped several climbers above the South Col, at about 8000 metres. The combination of bad weather, wrong decisions and logistical problems led to the deaths of eight people in a single day, making this one of the worst tragedies in the history of Everest.

Consequences: The whiteout contributed significantly to the confusion and to the difficulty of navigating, preventing the climbers from finding their way back to camp. The tragedy led to a critical review of guiding practices and of the way expeditions on Everest are run.

2. The Monte Piatto tragedy (Japan Alps, 2011)

Description: In January 2011, ten university students and their teacher were caught in a whiteout while hiking on Monte Piatto in the Japanese Alps. The group, inexperienced in extreme conditions, was surprised by a storm that quickly reduced visibility to zero.

Consequences: The group got lost and, unable to find shelter, many of them died of hypothermia. This accident highlighted the importance of preparation and experience in winter mountain conditions.

3. The Denali tragedy (Alaska, 1980)

Description: During an attempt to climb Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska in May 1980, a sudden storm caused a whiteout that caught several groups of climbers. The extreme weather, with strong winds and heavy snowfall, trapped the groups on the mountain.

Consequences: Four climbers died of exposure and hypothermia. The Denali tragedy underlined the need for meticulous planning and for the ability to survive in extreme conditions.

4. The K2 tragedy (Pakistan, 2008)

Description: In 2008 a series of fatal accidents struck several mountaineering expeditions on K2, the second highest mountain in the world. During the descent from the summit, an avalanche destroyed the fixed ropes, leaving many climbers trapped above the Bottleneck, a particularly dangerous section of the mountain. Shortly afterwards, a whiteout made navigation impossible.

Consequences: Eleven climbers lost their lives in what was one of the most tragic accidents in the history of K2. The difficult whiteout conditions prevented the survivors from finding a safe way down.

5. The Mount Hood tragedy (Oregon, 1986)

Description: In May 1986 a group of students and teachers from a military preparatory school was caught in a whiteout while climbing Mount Hood. The group took refuge in an improvised snow cave, but the storm went on for days.

Consequences: Seven students and two teachers died of hypothermia before the rescuers managed to reach them. This accident led to a review of safety practices for school trips in the mountains.