Spontaneous Avalanches Threaten Bolivia’s Cordillera Real | Avalanchas espontáneas amenazan la Cordillera Real

By Carlos Quisbert, El Deber:

Warning Issued Over Risk of “Spontaneous” Avalanches in the Cordillera Real

Alertan sobre riesgo de avalanchas “espontáneas” en la Cordillera Real

The Bolivian Andean Rescue Group (SAB) issued an alert to the community. Photo: SAB

This is a tourist destination made up of a mountain chain with some 600 snow-capped peaks whose western slopes offer routes for groups of domestic and foreign tourists, for extreme activities such as climbing and hiking.

The Bolivian Andean Rescue Group (SAB) released a statement warning of the risk of “spontaneous” avalanches in the Andes during the current season. The area is composed of about 600 snow-covered peaks that form part of tourist routes and attractions.

“In recent weeks, heavy rains, intense snowfall, and electrical storms have been recorded—conditions that have generated high instability in the snowpack. SAB members observed and reported numerous large spontaneous avalanches in the Cordillera Real, representing a real danger for those traveling through these areas,” the SAB statement says. The specialized group issued the following recommendations:

  1. Avoid traveling through areas with steep slopes and avalanche corridors.
  2. Carefully assess weather conditions and the state of the snow before any outing.
  3. Hire certified, experienced mountain guides, especially for high-altitude sports activities.
  4. Have proper equipment and emergency plans.
  5. The mountains always demand respect and preparation. Prioritize your safety and that of your companions. No activity is worth more than a life.

Location and Attractions

The Cordillera Real, or Eastern Andes, is a tourist destination formed by a mountain chain of 600 snow-covered peaks whose western slopes offer specialized tourism products, including mountaineering (rock and ice climbing) on the glaciers of Illimani, Huayna Potosí, Apolobamba, Illampu, and Chacaltaya. They are located just a few hours from the city of La Paz.

The SAB alert is coordinated with the safety measures that must be taken for adventure and sports activities carried out in this geographic area, such as paragliding, bicycle caravans (Sorata), and hiking (trekking) along the pre-Hispanic paths of the Qhapaq Ñan (a World Heritage site).

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