[pct-l] Thunder Storms

[Tortoise]

Others will probably have more specifics. Searching the web you can find 
good advice as well as BS.

General rules:

     get off of high places like ridge tops and peaks and get low.
     stay away from bodies of water such as lakes.
     being amongst trees is good but don't sit next to the trunks and stay 
away from the tallest trees.
     beware of caves and rock overhangs unless the air gap above your head 
is greater than your height above the ground.
     squatting down helps as does sitting on a foam pad; combo is a bit better
     if with others keep at least 50 feet (~17 meters) between each person. 
reason -- if one is hit by lightening, others won't also be and can render 
first aid (& last rites? (:-(
     being in a tent with metal tent poles may increase your risk.

     avoidance is best -- pay attention to the weather and avoid 
unnecessary risk.

     I was on a peak top in Yosemite leading a group. I stood up and 
someone else commented "John, you hair is standing on end." I put my hand 
up and could feel the charge on my arms. I ordered the group to hike down 
to lower ground immediately. We all survived without problems. Though there 
were a couple who thought that sheltering underneath a rock overhang was 
smart -- it wasn't, but they were OK because there wasn't a strike close to 
where they were.


Tortoise

<> Because truth matters.  <>

On 01/30/11 07:37, Mike Chapman wrote:
> Well last night I was finishing an all day trek(around 9pm),about 3
> miles from home. The night sky lit up like crazy and a bolt with about
> 5-10 strikes slammed the ground,the sound was the loudest ive ever
> heard,one after another. It looked and sounded like huge bombs going
> off! This was something I have not planned for,and was easy to forget
> till last night. It scared the %$#@ out of me and got me nervous about
> strikes in the high country or desert. Whats the best thing to do if
> this was to happen on the trail? Do I stay under trees? Do I run from
> the trees? Any close call storys?
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>