Climatic Conditions

on Aconcagua
by
Alex Nemet

Climatic conditions in the Central High Andes of Chile and Argentina usually originate in the Pacific
Ocean anticyclone. The humid westerly air currents that it sends inland collide with the Andes and, from
time to time, bring severe conditions. Cerro Aconcagua, due to its great altitude and bulk, is especially
susceptible, and periodically its upper slopes (above
17.000 ft/ 5,200 m) get buffeted by 90 mph/150 kph
winds. Such conditions will often create a vast lenticular
cloud above the summit. Even when the conditions at
Plaza de Mulas camp (13,800 ft/4,200 m) appear fine
and windless, the presence of this cloud formation
signifies strong winds, extreme cold and snowstorms
high on the mountain. It is also a sign that the upper
Lenticular clouds at Camp Nido mountain should be abandoned.

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the area and

therefore it attracts bad weather. If there's only one
single cloud on the sky, it's a fair chance it's hanging
over the summit of Aconcagua. Weather changes are
swift and sometimes very dramatic. A clear day can
transform into a windy and cloudy hell in a matter of
an hour. The most feared and infamous condition is
the Viento Blanco (white wind). Usually the
forewarning comes in the shape of an ominous
looking cloud formation over the highest peaks. It
Viento Blanco Clouds
looks like a soft cotton cap, which is constantly
shifting in shape. When you see it - beware! A storm with very fast temperature plunges and ferocious
winds are usually around the corner. If the storm breaks, heavy snow usually follows. The really rough
storms usually arrive from the west.

That said, the area can also be warm and nice and the weather systems usually holds for some time.
When it's warm, don't be surprised you don't have use for many of the cold weather items you brought.
Sometimes people can reach the summit wearing only wind proof fleece jackets and no gloves—but
don't count on it!

Another common weather type is the clear day, with fresh and chilly air and high winds. In general this
type of weather is good for climbing, as it's a solid and not so quick changing weather pattern. Be
prepared for cold climbing though.

Summer temperatures of minus 22°F/minus 30°C at higher elevations on Aconcagua are not unusual. At
the high camp, just before dawn, temperature commonly reach 5°F to minus 4°F /minus 15 or minus
20°C. Near the summit, wind chill can lower temperatures to minus 40° F/minus 40°C. Very high up on

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Aconcagua, temperatures never get very high. Nevertheless, summer days and nights on Aconcagua can
also be relatively tame. On still days at noon, it might be possible to hang around base camp in a bathing
suit! But, be aware that, at altitude, temperatures vary sharply between sun and shade and between
sheltered and exposed ground. Also with height gain and loss.

Lower Elevations/Base Camp

On the lower slopes of Aconcagua conditions are less extreme and unpredictable, but nevertheless
prone to fickleness. Below 13,800 ft/4,200 m, afternoons are generally warm with a lot of sunshine. On
Aconcagua, the sun is extremely strong and burns very quickly. At lower camps on Aconcagua (around
10,800 ft/3,300 m) days are warm to hot and nights, cool to cold.

At base camp (13,800 ft/4,200 m) expect warm days and

freezing nights. Rare southerly winds sometimes bring
temperatures of 0° F /minus 18°C. Severe electrical storms
are another (occasional) summer phenomenon, and should
not be underestimated.

The fickle - and often localized - nature of Aconcagua’s

climate, means nothing should be taken for granted.
Frostbite and hypothermia are risks for the under-equipped
An unusual summer snow storm at
base camp/Plaza de Mula
mountaineer; it is important to pack for the worst
conditions.

Santiago and Mendoza

Climatic conditions in these cities are very different to those in the high Andes. Summer temperatures in
these cities are usually very warm or hot: expect temperature ranges from lows of 63 to highs of 95°f
(17 to 35°C).

Entering Mendoza with the Andes in view.

Much of the information and photos for this piece are from
http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/170853/aconcagua-group.html