03 Western Breach: risk-mitigating, re-entrant traverse strategy.

A detailed discussion and demonstration of Team Kilimanjaro's proposed method of minimising time spent exposed to the risk of rock fall. The original route on which three climbers were killed by rock fall in January 2006, almost entirely disregarded any risk-mitigation considerations, using broad diagonal sweeps across zones that are demonstrably exposed to the risk of frequent rock fall. Team Kilimanjaro seeks always to emphasise that while they are willing to lead climbs up this assault route, the option should not be considered 'safe'. However scientifically one configures and times an ascent of the Western Breach, one must still consent to subjecting oneself to the risk of impact by falling rock. What Team Kilimanjaro's methods claim to do however, is to minimise exposure to such risks to the lowest possible level. Climbers must themselves decide whether even such an ameliorated risk level is still acceptable when there are alternative means of reaching the summit and overnighting in the crater. Team Kilimanjaro's aim is to endeavour to ensure that climbers have a thorough understanding of the nature of the significantly elevated risks being undertaken when electing to use this route, but in the end, to leave the choice with the climber.

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Travel & Events

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• western breach
• western breach accident
• death kilimanjaro
• new route kilimanjaro
• new route western breach