Vertical Limit: K2, The Savage Mountain

Approaching K2 from Baltoro Glacier, an uninitiated mountain trekker might find reality hard to believe. This towering peak of majesty can instantly become a gruesome killer. Climbers on most of the world’s great mountains have been "washed away" by hurtling torrents of snow. But what causes an avalanche? Is there any warning? Is it survivable?

Contrary to common myths, avalanches often do NOT strike without warning. Surprisingly, they are sometimes caused by people. According to Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center:

In 95 percent of all avalanche accidents, the avalanche is triggered by the victim, or someone in the victim’s party.

That’s a sobering thought. So is this:

An average-sized avalanche travels around 80 mph and it’s nearly impossible for someone to outrun an avalanche or even have time to get out of the way.

The most dangerous type of avalanche (a dry slab) acts like a dinner plate that slides off the table. A huge "slab" of snow slides away from the mountain. When the slab shatters, the victim is often in the middle - with no means of escape. A wet-slab avalanche covers a smaller area, moves more slowly (around 20 miles per hour), and is survivable.

Incredible avalanche video footage is available on line, thanks to NOVA. Follow the links to view spectacular sights.