Following your own footprints from earlier in the day is no assurance that some newly softened snow bridge isn't waiting to gobble you up. Weather Bad weather is the bogeyman that haunts the alpinist. The possibility of getting hit by a storm high on a mountain is a barrel you stare down every time you start up a climb. High cirrus clouds, sometimes called mare's tails, are the classic harbinger of a storm front, usually within 12 to 24 hours. Falling or rising pressure brings wind and change.
Low pressure equals instability.
Of course, this is mountain weather we're talking about. Lightning is the alpine nightmare. Take a direct hit and you're toast. But even getting caught in a ground current from a nearby strike can stop your heart, contract your muscles to the point of snapping bones, or scald you like napalm by melting your synthetic clothing. If the rock starts buzzing or clicking a discharge may be imminent.