[pct-l] Snow Navigation & maps

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Unfortunately, few can read a topo map and "see" it as if 
three-dimensionally. That ability is the key, to be able to hold the map in 
front of you and compare its information to the scenery before you. It takes 
practice and desire, but the freedom it gives is empowering.

AsABat is right about knowing the aspect of the slope you're on, which way 
it faces and all the time. It's just one more bit of info that your brain's 
"computer" needs to process so you know where you are.

And right again about what's upstairs, the most important thing you can take 
on a safe hike is realistic fore-knowledge and experience.


Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AsABat" <asabat at 4jeffrey.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 1:36 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snow Navigation & maps


> Well color is all well and good if you have color maps, but most just
> carry the guidebook and the green vegetation overlay doesn't often
> show up. Even if it does, most topo map base layers are old enough
> that the vegetation has changed - trees burned or grew, etc.
>
> The key IMO is being able to see the contour lines on the topo as 3D
> terrain. There are lots of freeresources on line if you need help.
>
> Still, being able to navigate when you can see the hills and treelines
> on the ground is one thing. What do you do when fog or snow blocks the
> view, even to whiteout conditions? One thing I never learned until
> later (in an avalanche class) was to consider not just the direct the
> hills ran, but which way the slope you are currently on faces (the
> aspect). With a map and compass, this can tell you where you are along
> a slope, or which ridge is above you.
>
> Why do I hear so much about lost hikers carrying GPSs or nothing at
> all, but so few about those carrying map and compass? Maybe it's true,
> the most important thing you carry with you is knowledge.
>
> AsABat
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