Sunlight melting glacial ice can cause unpredictable fluctuations in glacial river water levels. Since the sun is strongest at noon, glacier river flood peaks typically occur in the afternoon. The violent floods and roaring surges can be fatal to hunters, explorers, mountaineers, and hikers attempting to cross the river; nothing can withstand the force of a massive glacial flood.
2. Dangerous Ice Cliffs
Ice overhangs—whether from glaciers, ice shelves, or other sources—are extremely hazardous. They can collapse not only from above or overhanging ice crevasses but also bury those walking below with falling ice and snow. During warmer weather, entire ice cliffs can suddenly break off without any warning. Note: Never dig for meltwater under an ice cliff.
3. Dangers of Snow Bridges
On snowy terrain, snow bridges appear as regular, dish-shaped depressions that stretch out in near-straight lines. Older, sunken snow bridges are more solid than newer, flat ones. When crossing such snow bridges, use an ice axe and snowshoes to test their stability for safety. If carrying heavy loads, test the bridge with even heavier objects to ensure safe passage.
4. Preventing Avalanches
In high-altitude environments, avalanches are a major hazard. For safety, avoid traveling on snow-covered ground during blizzards. Pay special attention to avalanche prevention during strong winds and extreme cold. At such times, do not travel in close groups across sloped areas; maintain a visible safety distance between individuals.
Avalanches can be triggered by noise, vibrations, falling rocks or snow blocks, and wind. They often occur on slopes where small snowballs roll down, where there are cracks in the snowpack, where cornices form, on treeless slopes with angles around 36–42 degrees, on long and convex slopes, on south- and southwest-facing slopes, and where new snow overlies old, soft snow due to rising temperatures. Generally, the day after fresh snowfall, especially around 9–10 AM on clear mornings, is when avalanches are most likely.
When traversing avalanche-prone areas: Loosen your straps in advance so you can quickly shed your backpack and gear if needed to maintain mobility. Remove your snow goggles or hat to ensure unobstructed vision and hearing, allowing early detection of avalanche signs. Avoid crossing dangerous slopes horizontally. Avoid making loud noises or vibrations, such as gunfire. Avoid actions that impact the snow surface, such as falling.
If caught in an avalanche, vigorously swim-like movements repeatedly in the moving snow to try to stay near or reach the surface. Because mobility is limited once the avalanche stops, do your best to stay afloat while the snow is still moving.
5. Traveling in Cold Regions
Climbing glaciers and snowy slopes requires extra caution. Glaciers have many crevasses, with the most dangerous being icefall zones and marginal crevasses at the mountain base—especially hidden crevasses covered by snow. When crossing crevasses, travel in roped groups of several people, keeping 10–20 meters apart. The lead person should constantly probe the path ahead. Those behind should step in the footprints of those in front for greater safety. When crossing ice or snow bridges over crevasses, move forward in a crawling position.
When traveling on snowy slopes, watch not only for crevasses but also avoid stepping where the snow might collapse. At the junction of ice and snow-covered slopes, snow is often deep, so it’s safer to move in small groups. When crossing snow bridges, the lead person should first test their stability before proceeding. If the snow is very soft but must be crossed, crawl. When ascending steep snowy slopes, ensure both feet are firmly planted before moving. Step forward using the ball of your foot to create steps before shifting your rear foot. If you slip, immediately drop into a prone position to prevent sliding.
When climbing snowy glacier slopes, avoid areas with many cracks. On snowy terrain, walk where the snow is firmer. If you get hot, do not eat snow or ice for hydration, as sudden ingestion can cause throat inflammation. If extremely thirsty, use melted snow to rinse your mouth but avoid swallowing it, as it increases the burden on your circulatory system and reduces stamina.
To make walking in snow easier, you can craft “snowshoes” from branches (preferably freshly cut). Bend the branches into a U-shape with heat and secure them tightly with rope around your feet. When wearing them, tie the front and back straps securely around your toes and heels respectively—loose ties will hinder movement. Knot the binding ropes on the upper or outer part of your footwear; tying them inside can cause the feet to interfere with each other and may loosen the knots. On soft snow, take longer strides to reduce time spent walking. Before lifting your foot to step forward, slightly pull it back to give the snowshoe room to move—the forward motion helps sweep away excess snow. On steep slopes, step with the inner edge of the snowshoe and avoid leaning outward. When the snow is extremely hard, remove the snowshoes and walk without them.