everest_2008_0668.jpg
Avalanches often miss the Icefall but this one in 2008 hit the route
The Khumbu Glacier starts in Western Cwm and creates the Icefal as it drops 2,000'. It can move more than a foot a day creating deep crevases and large house-size ice towers which can fall over at anytime.
It is the primary way to get to the South Col so almost every Everest southside climber makes 4 to 6 roundtrips through the Icefall with Sherpas doubling that. A special team of Sherpas nicknamed Icefall Doctors maintain ladders that aid in climbing through the short spring season.