Daily Dispatches – 11th May
Avalanche Concerns, Camp Rotations & Huge Sherpa Movement Towards Camp 4
Everest season is beginning to intensify with teams completing key acclimatisation rotations, Sherpas pushing huge amounts of oxygen and equipment towards the South Col, and fresh concerns emerging over dangerous conditions in the Khumbu Icefall.
There was also alarm near Base Camp today after an avalanche struck from the Lhola side of the mountain.
Avalanche Near Base Camp
Veteran climber and guide Sanu Sherpa revealed that an avalanche hit close to Everest Base Camp on Sunday morning — something he says has not happened for several years.
“This morning, 11 May 2026, an avalanche from the Lhola side struck near Everest Base Camp. We haven’t seen one this close to camp in several years.”
Sanu admitted the risks on the mountain are weighing heavily on organisers this season, particularly with delayed rope fixing, unstable Icefall conditions and nearly 500 Everest permits issued by Nepal.
“As the expedition organizer, my first duty is always safety. Not only for members, but also for our Sherpa team.”
He added that teams are relying heavily on advanced weather forecasting as they prepare for the upcoming summit window.
Huge Sherpa Push Towards Camp 4
Imagine Nepal reported major activity high on the mountain today, with Sherpas continuing to stock the South Col ahead of summit attempts expected later this week.
The expedition confirmed that six Sherpas delivered oxygen supplies and rope to the South Col, while another team moved oxygen towards Camp 4 on neighbouring Lhotse.
According to the team, more than 200 Sherpas are expected to climb towards the South Col tonight, highlighting just how quickly Everest season is accelerating.
Teams Continue Acclimatisation Rotations
Several expeditions completed important rotations higher on the mountain today.
Gyalzen Sherpa confirmed his team has now successfully completed its acclimatisation phase after spending:
- 1 night at Camp 1
- 3 nights at Camp 2
- Touching Camp 3 before descending safely
“The mountain has tested us, and the team is feeling strong, focused, and grateful for the progress so far. One step closer to the top of the world.”
Meanwhile, the SummitClimb Team described their move to Camp 3 as their toughest day of the expedition so far.
“All members and some Sherpas climbed up to Camp 3 today to touch 7,000 meters. It was our toughest day so far.”
Dawa Finjo Sherpa also confirmed he had completed his second acclimatisation rotation after reaching Camp 3 on May 10.
“Now time to recover and wait for weather window for summit push while our rest of team have reached back to Camp 2 for South Col load ferries.”
Harsh Conditions Continue On The Mountain
Expedition organiser Miles Sherpa said Everest continues to challenge teams with difficult and unpredictable weather conditions.
“The mountain continues to test us with harsh and unpredictable weather, but our team remains strong and focused.”
He confirmed guides are continuing preparations for summit bids, with Camps 3 and 4 expected to be fully established within the next few days.
Miles also stressed the importance of patience and safety as teams wait for the right summit opportunity.
“Reaching the summit is a goal, but it is not a race.”
“Safety remains at the heart of every move we make. No achievement is worth compromising the well-being of our team.”
Khumbu Icefall Still Causing Concern
Conditions in the Khumbu Icefall remain one of the dominant talking points of the season.
Summit Force Expedition’s Ngaa Tenji Sherpa joked about the constantly shifting glacier on social media:
“Crossing the Icefall feels less like mountaineering and more like playing a real-life game of ‘the floor is lava.’”
He added:
“One minute you’re carefully climbing ladders… the next minute the whole glacier decides to move without warning.”
Climber Bianca Adler perhaps summed up the feelings of many on the mountain in a simpler way:
“Khumbu Icefall – The most insane place I have ever been!”
Rest Day For Some Teams
After another cold and exhausting spell on the mountain, climber Adam Sweeney confirmed his team had safely returned for recovery.
“It was a cold one but we are all back safe & getting some well needed rest!”
Looking Ahead
Attention is now firmly turning towards the first major summit window of the 2026 Everest season.
With ropes and oxygen continuing to move towards Camp 4, and huge numbers of Sherpas climbing overnight, the next few days could see the first significant wave of summit attempts begin on the world’s highest mountain.
