Most people who hike in the Rocky Mountains do so in July and August when the temperatures are warmer and the trails are generally snow free. However, this time period also coincides with the "monsoon season," that time of year when tropical moisture combines with lots of sunlight to create almost daily afternoon thunder and lightning storms. Between 2003 and 2012, Colorado was tied for second in the nation in terms of the most lightning deaths - in total and adjusted for population. Just earlier this month two people were killed and 10 others were injured by lightning strikes during a two-day period in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Whether your out for a day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, or you're seeking to climb one of Colorado's 14ers, you need to be aware of lightning risk, and what you should do if you find yourself in a lightning situation.
The folks over at the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative recently published a short video that explains how the monsoon season creates the notorious afternoon thunderstorms that the Rocky Mountains are famous for. The video is narrated by KDVR/KWGN meteorologist, Chris Tomer, who has climbed all 54 of Colorado's 14ers:
Chris then follows up in a subsequent video with how to stay safe while climbing in monsoon season:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Forest Service Warns that Spring Conditions can be Volatile
Spring in the Rockies brings with it a wide variety of weather conditions, and officials from the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests (MBR) are reminding forest visitors to be prepared for all possible extremes.
Prompting this message is a recent string of lost or stranded recreationists, and fatal accidents. Just this past weekend there were multiple groups of snowmobilers that needed search and rescue assistance in north central Colorado, and the previous weekend there were both avalanche and snowmobile fatalities in the same area.
Remember that days beginning as sunny and warm can end up with blizzard conditions, resulting in navigation difficulties for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, periods of warm weather can create a freeze-thaw cycle, and thus an icy base layer of snow. Snow accumulation on that icy layer and high winds can then make the snowpack unstable and put avalanche conditions at a dangerous level.
Current avalanche conditions across the MBR range from moderate to considerable, but can change daily. Deep persistent slabs do exist and are hard to trigger, but the consequences of releasing one could be deadly.
Forest visitors are urged to know the conditions and weather forecasts in the area you plan to visit.
Following are safety recommendations for National Forest visitors during the winter/spring:
* There is no avalanche control and forest users must know the snow conditions and their abilities.
* Conditions can change rapidly in the backcountry. Be prepared for extreme conditions, carry appropriate survival gear and be prepared for self-rescue.
* Remember these safety items: shovel, beacon, probe, and KNOWLEDGE.
* Don’t recreate alone.
* Know how to use your emergency gear. Items such as an avalanche beacon are not useful if they cannot be properly used.
* Much terrain throughout the Rocky Mountain region is subject to avalanches. When traveling or recreating in those areas, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and those around you.
* Get avalanche savvy and take a certified avalanche course.
* Pick up a map of the area you plan to visit. Recreation maps, such as the Wyoming State Trails Snowmobile maps, often show avalanche prone areas.
Although the majority of avalanche accidents occur in the backcountry, an avalanche can occur in areas thought to be safe. Ski areas provide a high level of avalanche control on their managed slopes within bounds. Skiers and riders are reminded to stay out of closed and roped off areas and use the buddy system.
Backcountry users should also be aware of potential risks. They should be skilled at recognizing potential avalanche areas and snowpack conditions, and should be able to act accordingly. It is recommended that backcountry users perform careful snowpack evaluations and stability tests prior to entering an avalanche-prone area. There are typically plenty of routes for safer backcountry travel in avalanche country. Be able to recognize and use them as needed.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Remember that days beginning as sunny and warm can end up with blizzard conditions, resulting in navigation difficulties for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, periods of warm weather can create a freeze-thaw cycle, and thus an icy base layer of snow. Snow accumulation on that icy layer and high winds can then make the snowpack unstable and put avalanche conditions at a dangerous level.
Current avalanche conditions across the MBR range from moderate to considerable, but can change daily. Deep persistent slabs do exist and are hard to trigger, but the consequences of releasing one could be deadly.
Forest visitors are urged to know the conditions and weather forecasts in the area you plan to visit.
Following are safety recommendations for National Forest visitors during the winter/spring:
* There is no avalanche control and forest users must know the snow conditions and their abilities.
* Conditions can change rapidly in the backcountry. Be prepared for extreme conditions, carry appropriate survival gear and be prepared for self-rescue.
* Remember these safety items: shovel, beacon, probe, and KNOWLEDGE.
* Don’t recreate alone.
* Know how to use your emergency gear. Items such as an avalanche beacon are not useful if they cannot be properly used.
* Much terrain throughout the Rocky Mountain region is subject to avalanches. When traveling or recreating in those areas, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and those around you.
* Get avalanche savvy and take a certified avalanche course.
* Pick up a map of the area you plan to visit. Recreation maps, such as the Wyoming State Trails Snowmobile maps, often show avalanche prone areas.
Although the majority of avalanche accidents occur in the backcountry, an avalanche can occur in areas thought to be safe. Ski areas provide a high level of avalanche control on their managed slopes within bounds. Skiers and riders are reminded to stay out of closed and roped off areas and use the buddy system.
Backcountry users should also be aware of potential risks. They should be skilled at recognizing potential avalanche areas and snowpack conditions, and should be able to act accordingly. It is recommended that backcountry users perform careful snowpack evaluations and stability tests prior to entering an avalanche-prone area. There are typically plenty of routes for safer backcountry travel in avalanche country. Be able to recognize and use them as needed.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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