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Any person knows the dangers of lightening.We have been told time and time again not to stand under trees in lightening storms.It is precautions like this and others teachings that can keep you safe if weather turns foul at high altitudes.Before you head to the summit, be prepared and learn what to do in an electrical storm.
Lightening Strikes in high altitude are a regular occuring weather phenomenon.The area of the mountains that your hiking or backpacking can be clear and sunny one minute and turn on a dime to very hazardous thunderstorms and related conditions.Lightening can also occur in high altitudes when there is no obvious sign of any visible storm approaching.
Being struck by lightening is a real hazzard at high altitudes.It goes without saying that backpackers and hikers during their travel in the high altitudes are always on their guard for weather conditions to take a turn for the worse.
You should always flee from summits and ridges if thunder is heard in the distance.never assume that it is safe and that you have plenty of time to reduce your altitude. Leave the high altitude immediately even if you think the thunder is still many miles away.The sound of distant thunder can fool you at high altitudes and the probability of a lightening strike is high once thunder is heard, even if it is off in the distance.
If indeed you are indeed caught on a high peak when electrical activity is occuring the best tactic is to move off the peak.Move away as far as possible and sit on your pack. By sitting or squatting on your pack, colied ropes, or any foam piece such as a camping mattress you are incorporating these items as insulators.
Never take shelter under a talus,rock shelter or a cave.Electrical currents can run through places like this and it is always best to stay clear of such places where you would think would be alright to seek shelter.The best bet is to stay low and on an insulated surface such as your pack.
It is a myth that metal is a sure fire attractor of lightening.Do not throw away climbing materials or aparatus because it is futile and totally pointless.To do this you will not prevent a direct lightening strike, only make your accention down the mountian next to impossible.
Those caught in a high altitude electrical storm will experience thunder louder than you have ever heard before.Along with the thunder hail storms will also plague the area with hail stones larger than golfballs.The hail storms can and usually are painful but never,no matter how hard the hail take shelter under an overhang of any kind of rock.Some people have reported seeing St.Elmos'Fire glowing off rocks and their equiptment.
This experience can be frightening to say the least. In these situations it is easy to loose your cool and do things that you know are wrong in order to gain shelter.No matter how bad the weather turns, remain calm and remember these steps.
To loose your head could mean to lose your life.
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