Tips: High Altitude Thunderstorm Safety

What to do, what not to do.

My biggest fear when hiking at altitude is not being attacked by a bear, not falling over a cliff, but being struck by lightening when walking in exposed areas in the afternoon - when most thunder/lightening storms roll in.

I have been in this environment twice, including having the hairs on my arm stand up due to static electricity, and it is a really unpleasant feeling to say the least.

The National Park Service says "Ultimately, there is no safe shelter outside. The only safe place is in a substantial building or hard topped vehicle".

So how do you stay safe if hiking with a lightning risk?

1. Check the forecast for the area you will be hiking - but understand that thunderstorms can be unpredictable.

2. Plan your hike so you avoid exposed high spots in the afternoon. For example, plan a summit for 11am or noon, and plan your descent before 2pm.

3. If you see clouds accumulating in the distance, or feel winds picking up, descend.

Let's say you haven't followed Mountain Mile's advice and you are caught in a storm, what should you do?

1. Avoid peaks and exposed areas.

2. Avoid water, particularly being in water.

3. Create 50 feet of space between you and your hiking companions (if in company)

4. Crouch on your toes/balls of your feet, with your hands covering your ears, to make yourself a lesser target. The key here is to make as little contact with the ground as possible. Do not sit or lie.

5. Avoid tall objects, including trees - especially if isolated.

6. If amongst a grove of trees, find the smallest tree within a cluster, as far away as possible from the taller trees.

7. DO NOT be near metal objects such as pylons.

8. Distance yourself from your back pack and hiking poles due to the metal content - tent frame, back pack frame, water bottle, etc.

9. Wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before continuing.

I share this video with my companions if leading a back country hike.

Lightning Facts:

• 50 people a year are killed by lightning in the US.

• 300 people a year are injured by lightning in the US.

• 80% of all casualties are male