Death cold happens when we get to -25 real temp.
Everest climbers refer to the "death zone" - the part of the mountain above a certain altitude, I believe above about 26,000 feet or so.
It's so cold up there and the oxygen is so thin, you're in extreme danger if you stay too long.
Ah yes: On the South Col, climbers enter the death zone. Climbers typically only have a maximum of two or three days they can endure at this altitude for making summit bids. Clear weather and low winds are critical factors in deciding whether to make a summit attempt. If weather does not cooperate within these short few days, climbers are forced to descend, many all the way back down to Base Camp.
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Most expeditions use oxygen masks and tanks [18] above 26,246 feet (8,000 m); this region is known as the death zone. Everest can be climbed without supplementary oxygen but this increases the risk to the climber. Humans do not think clearly with low oxygen, and the combination of severe weather, low temperatures, and steep slopes often require quick, accurate decisions. |
