Bergschrund

Bergschrunds extend to the bedrock and can have a depth of well over 100 metres (330 ft).

A bergschrund is distinct from a randkluft (also called rimaye), which is a crevasse with one side formed by rock.

The randkluft arises in part from the melting of the ice due to the presence of the warmer rock face.

In later summer, due to melting, it lies open and can present a very difficult obstacle to alpinists.

On the South Col route to reach the summit of Mount Everest, a deep bergschrund lies at the bottom of the Lhotse face, separating Camp II from Camp III.

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Cross section of a cirque glacier showing the bergschrund
Three mountaineers on a snow-covered icefield with mountain peaks in the distance
A bergschrund—the long crack at the foot of the mountain slope—in the Ötztal Alps
Rocky peaks protruding from undulating ice masses
Open bergschrunds at Mont Dolent