The act of intentionally jumping from an aircraft and navigating to the ground with the aid of a parachute presents inherent risks. A key element influencing safety involves atmospheric conditions, particularly the presence of condensed water vapor suspended in the atmosphere at varying altitudes. Attempting to descend through these formations introduces multiple hazards to a skydiver.
Maintaining visual awareness is paramount for safe skydiving. Cloud cover severely restricts visibility, creating a risk of disorientation and collision with other skydivers or objects. Furthermore, these formations can rapidly change density and altitude, leading to unpredictable wind conditions and potential parachute malfunctions. Historically, incidents involving unexpected encounters with atmospheric moisture have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities, highlighting the critical need for avoidance.