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high elevation

The Power of Elevation: Why Not All Snow Is Created Equal

Any serious skier will tell you that not all snow is created equal. Light, fluffy powder, dense, wet snow, and icy sleet all start as the same thing: moisture in the air. An intricate dance of atmospheric moisture, environmental conditions, and resort geography all combine to create the spectrum of snowfall that snowsports enthusiasts crave. Despite the numerous factors that […]

Featured ArticleFeatured Article
Andrew | February 2, 2023
3 Comments

HAPE – An Extreme Form of Altitude Sickness Often Causing Death in Otherwise Healthy Individuals

What is HAPE? Whether an avid hiker or moving to a location with higher elevation be aware of the signs and symptoms of HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. This translates to the development of swelling and fluid in the lungs due to an extreme change in altitude. It typically occurs around 8200 ft. in elevation but can also occur […]

ClimbingClimbing
Lauren Hash | February 1, 2020
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Mt. Shasta, CA: Climbing Season Wrap Up

SMG

This post was written by Jenna Kane of Shasta Mountain Guides on October 3rd, 2019. As the 2019 Mt. Shasta climbing season comes to an end, we at Shasta Mountain Guides are feeling extremely grateful; to our guides for leading safe and successful adventures and our guests for choosing SMG. This year has felt almost utopian for us mountain-lovers. Mt. […]

Trip ReportTrip Report
SnowBrains | October 5, 2019
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High Altitude Pulmonary Edema: A Silent Killer In The Mountains

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening high-altitude related illness that can cripple even the healthiest mountain athletes. When ascending to high altitudes, over 2500 meters (8200 feet), arteries in the lungs begin to experience high amounts of pressure, leading to fluid accumulation in the alveoli. The fluid buildup inhibits the uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide, […]

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Ryan Nadiak | July 17, 2019
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HAPE: The Leading Killer at High Altitudes

High Alpine Mountaineering

Reports often come out about people passing away in the mountains due to altitude sickness.  Altitude sickness, otherwise known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is when you feel like you came down with the flu or have a hangover, due to less oxygen being at higher elevations.  However, altitude sickness does not cause death, but it can lead to more […]

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Mitch McDermott | October 1, 2017
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HAPE “High Altitude Pulmonary Edema,” A Deadly Complication of Altitude Sickness

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High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or “HAPE” is a fairly unknown consequence of rapid ascent to high altitudes which can be fatal if not caught and treated properly. According to the International HAPE Database the illness is one of the top killers in individuals and recreationalists exposed to high altitudes. Many put themselves at risk of the illness frequently and have no […]

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Logan Stout | October 1, 2017
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