HikeDay

Trail weather safety

Most weather trouble on the trail can be avoided with a plan and a willingness to turn around. These are general tips, not a substitute for training, local knowledge or official warnings.

In an emergency, call 911. Cell coverage in the mountains is patchy; a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon can reach help where phones can't.

Before you go

  • Check the forecast and any alerts on weather.gov for both the trailhead and the highest point of your route.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Carry the Ten Essentials, including extra layers, rain gear, water and a light, even on a short hike.
  • Set a turnaround time and stick to it. If the weather is changing faster than forecast, turn back. The summit will still be there.

Lightning

No place outdoors is safe when thunderstorms are nearby. The National Weather Service's advice is “When thunder roars, go indoors”: if you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck.

  • On days with a chance of thunderstorms, start early and plan to be off summits, ridges and other high, exposed ground before storms usually build, often by early afternoon.
  • If you're caught out, get off peaks and ridges right away and head for lower ground. Stay away from isolated tall trees, open fields, water and metal such as fences.
  • In a group, spread out so one strike can't injure everyone.
  • Wait until 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back onto exposed terrain.

More: NWS lightning safety.

Heat

  • Hike early or late on hot days, and carry more water than you think you need.
  • Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and cool, clammy skin. Stop, get into shade, cool down and sip water.
  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include confusion, hot skin and possibly loss of consciousness. Call 911 and cool the person down right away.

More: NWS heat safety.

Cold, wet and wind

Hypothermia doesn't need freezing temperatures. Rain, sweat and wind can chill you dangerously at 50°F.

  • Pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket even when the morning is warm, and avoid cotton clothing.
  • Watch for uncontrollable shivering, fumbling hands, slurred speech and confusion in yourself and others.
  • Get out of the wind and rain, put on dry layers, eat, and head down or get help.

More: NWS cold weather safety.

Flash floods

Storms miles upstream can send a wall of water down a canyon or dry wash under clear skies.

  • Avoid slot canyons and narrow washes when storms are forecast anywhere in the area.
  • Signs of a flash flood include quickly rising or muddy water, floating debris and a roaring sound upstream. Climb to higher ground immediately.
  • Never cross fast-moving water. As the National Weather Service puts it: “Turn around, don't drown.”

More: NWS flood safety.

Strong wind

Gusts on exposed ridges can knock you off balance, and wind brings down branches and dead trees. On windy days, choose sheltered routes, avoid narrow ridgelines, and don't linger or camp under dead trees.

Snow and avalanches

Snow can linger on high trails into summer and return early in fall. On snow-covered slopes in winter and spring, check the avalanche forecast from your local avalanche center (listed at avalanche.org) and only travel in avalanche terrain with the right training and gear.

Wildfire smoke

Hard exercise in smoke is tough on your lungs. Check air quality on AirNow before you go, and look for fire closures from the land manager or on InciWeb.