Nepal Avalanche Tragedy Exposes Risks American Climbers Must Heed

On the slopes of Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal, a devastating avalanche claimed the lives of seven climbers—two among them Nepali mountain guides—highlighting not only the brutal power of nature but also the alarming vulnerability American adventurers face overseas due to inadequate safety and rescue infrastructure. The disaster struck at a base camp situated at 4,900 meters elevation, where unpredictable snowstorms initially thwarted rescue efforts. Only after weather conditions improved could helicopters reach survivors and recover bodies buried under nearly 20 feet of snow and ice. Why Are American Climbers Left Exposed Abroad? While this tragedy unfolds thousands of miles...