Efforts to reach injured Polish mountaineer Waldemar Kowalewski on Broad Peak were halted today due to worsening weather and severe avalanche conditions, according to fellow climber Lukasz Supergan, who remains at base camp.

“The weather stopped the team that was supposed to go to Waldemar today,” Supergan wrote on his Instagram account. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of snow both at the base and in the higher sections of the mountain. The avalanche threat today is even greater than yesterday, when the accident occurred.” He added.

Avalanches have been continuously observed from base camp throughout the day. Supergan noted that over the past 24 hours, attempts have been made to organize a rescue team strong and fast enough to reach Kowalewski efficiently. Lela Peak, the agency responsible for the expedition, is still searching for capable personnel, but progress has been slow.

Helicopters remain unable to fly above 5000 meters, the base of the mountain, leaving ground rescue as the only viable option. “It’s frustrating that we have to gather together the most important information ourselves,” wrote Supergan. “If the agency’s efforts bring no results by this afternoon, I will attempt to go to Camp II and, if conditions allow, move higher with others. But we don’t yet know if it’s possible to pass through the avalanche-prone area above Camp II.” He further added.

Kowalewski remains in contact via Garmin InReach and is reportedly stable aside from a leg injury, which may be a fracture or a torn muscle above the ankle. He is currently at approximately 6500 meters above Camp II, in a tent with his teammate Jarek. The pair has sleeping bags and fuel to melt snow.

Supergan also confirmed that Kowalewski had ascended during a blizzard, despite forecasts advising retreat. “He went up through an area very prone to avalanches. That decision led to the accident and has now made rescue efforts extremely difficult.”

The climbing community continues to watch the situation closely. Updates to follow.