Tips on Mountain Climbing -kenya Mountain Climbing
June 13th, 2009
paul Gitau asked:
Climbing a Mountain to most people remains a dream of a lifetime, however this turns out to be a bad experience for those who rush to do it with minimal preparations and knowledge. Most tour companies have tours to some of the biggest mountains in Kenya like Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya.
This offers you an opportunity to experience Mountain climbing but first let’s look at some of the tips that may help you enjoy your trip up and down of any major Mountain:
Megan
Climbing a Mountain to most people remains a dream of a lifetime, however this turns out to be a bad experience for those who rush to do it with minimal preparations and knowledge. Most tour companies have tours to some of the biggest mountains in Kenya like Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya.
This offers you an opportunity to experience Mountain climbing but first let’s look at some of the tips that may help you enjoy your trip up and down of any major Mountain:
- Ensure you relax the night before the trip up the mountain; this helps your body to refresh as you set yourself ready to go up the next morning.
- Carry a guide up the mountain if you are not familiar with the area. This will ensure you don’t get lost on the way.
- Most mountains are very hot when climbing during the day and very cold at night. However some are very cold throughout especially those covered with snow like Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro.
Going up such mountains require warm clothes to keep your body warm and heavy boots to beat the snow covered tracks. - Most peaks cannot be reached in a day and so you should prepare on accommodation during the night. A good water proof easy to set-up tent is a viable option.
- Carry a compass, a whistle, a torch, sun tan lotion, aspirin and any other additional important personal that can make your trip comfortable.
- For those who love nature, a pair of lightweight binoculars handy when you want to admire the distant views on your way, a camera with zoom lenses is important if you want to carry the memorable features with you back.
- Carry enough water to quench your thirst; this depends on distance being covered and the temperatures during the day.
- Climb the mountain during the day when its safe and you can see all the game. Though most of them are not dangerous and may run away on sight of humans an occasional encounter with rogue elephants, buffaloes, lions will certainly not end well.
- Make friendly noises as you move through the bushy areas to alert the game of your approach.
- Do not disturb any herd of animals in the bush, let them move on their own or get an alternate route around them.
- Carry some medical supplies that may be needed to dress bruises and small injuries.
- Enjoy your trip up and down, a step at a time.
Megan
The Alps (IMAX® Trailer) - Extreme Mountain Climbing
June 13th, 2009macfreefilms asked:
Find a theater playing “The Alps” near you! Visit the official movie website — http://www.alpsfilm.com/ Buy other MFF Films on DVD at Amazon! http://astore.amazon.com/macfreefilms-20 Set in the greatest mountain range in all of Europe — home to such iconic peaks as the Matterhorn, the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and others — The Alps: Giants of Nature is a breathtaking cinematic adventure in the style and tradition of MacGillivray Freeman’s blockbuster documentary, Everest. Featuring dramatic …
Beatrice
mountain climbing
June 13th, 2009Chromehounds - Mountain Climbing by: The Monkey Clan
June 12th, 2009Mountain Climbing Journal - Cerro de la Silla - Part 4 / 10
June 11th, 2009kzenz asked:
Here is video of my first mountain climbing experience - Cerro de la Silla, Monterrey, Mexico. I did it on Saturday, April 14, 2007. It was awesome and I had a great time. I hope you enjoy the commentary and views. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_de_la_silla
Gertrude
Understanding Ski Mountaineering
June 11th, 2009
Harvey Wienersmyth asked:
As the years go by, people are increasingly interested in exploring new ways to push themselves when it comes to sports and other activities. Ski mountaineering is one such way that people can push themselves and find new ways to experience the thrills of various sports. Combining the skills required for both skiing and rock climbing, ski mountaineering is not a sport for the faint of heart.
Ski mountaineering relies on similar skiing techniques to that of ski touring. The main difference, though, is people who participate in ski touring rely on “safe” areas that have excellent powder conditions, sheltered fields, and superior conditions, particularly when it comes to descending the mountain. Ski mountaineers, however, have no reservations about skiing every part of the mountain, including areas that are covered by ice, rocks, and even glaciers. Someone who was ski touring would avoid those areas, as they present unique challenges and can be extremely difficult for the skier to traverse and travel safely.
Ski mountaineers ski more than they climb, but depending on the route they choose and its unique challenges, there will be areas they are forced to climb, using typical mountaineering techniques and equipment. As such, a ski mountaineer, in addition to ski equipment, will also have climbing equipment, including axes, ropes, and other aids that will make the climbing legs of their activities for the day safer. That said, the climbing aspect is secondary to skiing, and the goal is to get over the most impossible terrains – the ones that simply could not be passed while wearing skis – and carry on skiing. The true challenge of ski mountaineering is to ski as much of the mountain as possible.
Ski mountaineering can not be done on every mountain, due to the varying conditions present. It is a popular activity in Europe, particularly in the Alps, the Tatra, and the Pyrenees, where people will spend days traveling the different terrains in this fashion. North American mountain ranges provide ample opportunity for people to ski mountaineer, particularly the Sierra Nevadas. It is also somewhat common in New Zealand and South America, but to a much lesser extent.
While they are not the most common or heavily promoted races in the sporting world, there are also ski mountaineering races. They involve racers tackling a predetermined course with multiple checkpoints that they must pass through in order to complete the race. The goal is to be the first to the finish line. All racers are expected to work on their own strengths and can use the equipment and techniques of their choice to traverse the mountain grounds. Although these races do happen, they are not an Olympic sport, as is the case with other skiing events, though that could change as the sport gains exposure and acceptance in the skiing and adventure sport community.
As you can see, ski mountaineering is a very exciting development for skiing and climbing enthusiasts. By combining the two sports and their unique aspects into one, it creates a series of new challenges for skiers, climbers, and adventurers of all sorts. It also presents new opportunities to stretch oneself to new physical and mental limits – or even surpass anything they ever thought they were physically capable of.
Chad
As the years go by, people are increasingly interested in exploring new ways to push themselves when it comes to sports and other activities. Ski mountaineering is one such way that people can push themselves and find new ways to experience the thrills of various sports. Combining the skills required for both skiing and rock climbing, ski mountaineering is not a sport for the faint of heart.
Ski mountaineering relies on similar skiing techniques to that of ski touring. The main difference, though, is people who participate in ski touring rely on “safe” areas that have excellent powder conditions, sheltered fields, and superior conditions, particularly when it comes to descending the mountain. Ski mountaineers, however, have no reservations about skiing every part of the mountain, including areas that are covered by ice, rocks, and even glaciers. Someone who was ski touring would avoid those areas, as they present unique challenges and can be extremely difficult for the skier to traverse and travel safely.
Ski mountaineers ski more than they climb, but depending on the route they choose and its unique challenges, there will be areas they are forced to climb, using typical mountaineering techniques and equipment. As such, a ski mountaineer, in addition to ski equipment, will also have climbing equipment, including axes, ropes, and other aids that will make the climbing legs of their activities for the day safer. That said, the climbing aspect is secondary to skiing, and the goal is to get over the most impossible terrains – the ones that simply could not be passed while wearing skis – and carry on skiing. The true challenge of ski mountaineering is to ski as much of the mountain as possible.
Ski mountaineering can not be done on every mountain, due to the varying conditions present. It is a popular activity in Europe, particularly in the Alps, the Tatra, and the Pyrenees, where people will spend days traveling the different terrains in this fashion. North American mountain ranges provide ample opportunity for people to ski mountaineer, particularly the Sierra Nevadas. It is also somewhat common in New Zealand and South America, but to a much lesser extent.
While they are not the most common or heavily promoted races in the sporting world, there are also ski mountaineering races. They involve racers tackling a predetermined course with multiple checkpoints that they must pass through in order to complete the race. The goal is to be the first to the finish line. All racers are expected to work on their own strengths and can use the equipment and techniques of their choice to traverse the mountain grounds. Although these races do happen, they are not an Olympic sport, as is the case with other skiing events, though that could change as the sport gains exposure and acceptance in the skiing and adventure sport community.
As you can see, ski mountaineering is a very exciting development for skiing and climbing enthusiasts. By combining the two sports and their unique aspects into one, it creates a series of new challenges for skiers, climbers, and adventurers of all sorts. It also presents new opportunities to stretch oneself to new physical and mental limits – or even surpass anything they ever thought they were physically capable of.
Chad
Mountain Climbing: Crazy Mountain Climber
June 10th, 2009
anonymous asked:
climbers are just a bit crazy. They risk their lives every moment that they’re up there. More than that, they want to do it! It makes them happy. Yup. Just a bit crazy, to be sure.
There are such extreme dangers in mountain climbing. The top three are things falling on you, yourself falling and bad weather. Things that may fall on you include rocks, ice and snow (avalanches).
?Rocks could come loose on mountains at any moment. Furrows on the slopes and conspicuous collections of rock and debris in patches are good signs to look for.
?Areas prone to falling ice are overhanging cornices (molding below a ceiling) that you find on the peaks of narrow ridges.
?Broken sections of glaciers, called seracs, are potentially dangerous. Ice sections could fall during, and after, the hottest part of the day.
?Hanging glaciers on steep slopes will periodically drop ice. Ice piles in patches are excellent indicators.
?Be weary of large icicles that form on steep rock faces. They could break loose at any moment, especially after inclement weather.
?Before all of that, however, you are advised to remember that a falling climber is a very real danger. More than that, even just his gear falling could shove you right off.
Either way, stay sharp at all times. It may not be the mountain that takes you down. Tons and tons of snow, ice and debris streaking down a mountainside as an avalanche is most terrifying. If you find yourself caught in one, survival is slim, at best. Hundreds of people die every year in avalanches. Many of them were athletically skilled individuals, even skilled climbers. Many of them were caught out in the open snow.
It isn’t very easy to turn back from a snow crossing once you’ve begun. So much time will be lost. When in doubt, don’t do it and save your life. A large percentage of avalanche fatalities are expert skiers with avalanche training. Think on that for a bit. Sometimes knowing is not enough to save you. Oftentimes, it is the knowing that makes a person unnecessarily reckless.
Alpine (high mountain) climbers are advised to always carry an avalanche beacon, a probe and a shovel to help in your own rescue should you, or your party, become trapped in an avalanche.
Just as there are many ways that an object may fall on you while climbing, there are so many ways for you, yourself, to fall.
?As a climber, you could loose your hold and drop into the air. It could be the last sensation you know.
?You may go careening down a mountainside. After that cruel and painful fall, hopefully there won’t be a deep hole or a crevasse to swallow you up. (Good grief!)
?Be supremely careful on slick ice slopes. Crampons, an ice axe and ice screws (pickets) become necessary here. One slip could mean no return for you.
There are snow slopes for which a potential avalanche must always be considered. At the base of these snow slopes lies the danger of a hidden crevasse. Painstaking use of a snow bridge often becomes vital. You’ll want to have an experienced climber with you for those instances when advancing over snow, especially snow on ice, is a difficult decision. If you insist on going, a straight ascent is favored over a horizontal one. With this approach, there is less risk of snow movement, less to encourage an avalanche.
Crevasses are deep chasms found in glaciers. They may be easily seen or they may be hidden from sight. It takes experience and caution to detect them. Your best protection is to rope your climbing party together. Don’t ever cross a crevasse without being tied to at least one person.
Weather is an awesome force high in the mountains. You can never escape it so don’t think that you can ignore it. You may experience a whiteout where you’d be lucky to see a few feet in front of you. In the summer, you may experience thunderstorms or lightning, even lightning all by itself. All climbers are advised to have an alpine start, that is, a climb that starts before or at first light. It gives you the chance to return to base during daylight should the weather become threatening.
Breathing is difficult high in the mountains because there is less oxygen in the air. The body needs to acclimatize, to become accustomed to the thin air. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you’ll probably develop altitude sickness. If you do not descend immediately when this happens, your condition could progress to one of two forms of edema. Both conditions could be fatal within 24 hours. I repeat, fatal within a day. If this happens, get yourself off that mountain right now!
Mountain climbing is absurdly dangerous. You really will risk your life, over and over. But, oh, to stand on the summit. To be so high, to see for many miles, possibly over many miles of mountains, to know that you stand where few have gone before. What a feeling! Very few things come close. Be careful up there!
Annie
climbers are just a bit crazy. They risk their lives every moment that they’re up there. More than that, they want to do it! It makes them happy. Yup. Just a bit crazy, to be sure.
There are such extreme dangers in mountain climbing. The top three are things falling on you, yourself falling and bad weather. Things that may fall on you include rocks, ice and snow (avalanches).
?Rocks could come loose on mountains at any moment. Furrows on the slopes and conspicuous collections of rock and debris in patches are good signs to look for.
?Areas prone to falling ice are overhanging cornices (molding below a ceiling) that you find on the peaks of narrow ridges.
?Broken sections of glaciers, called seracs, are potentially dangerous. Ice sections could fall during, and after, the hottest part of the day.
?Hanging glaciers on steep slopes will periodically drop ice. Ice piles in patches are excellent indicators.
?Be weary of large icicles that form on steep rock faces. They could break loose at any moment, especially after inclement weather.
?Before all of that, however, you are advised to remember that a falling climber is a very real danger. More than that, even just his gear falling could shove you right off.
Either way, stay sharp at all times. It may not be the mountain that takes you down. Tons and tons of snow, ice and debris streaking down a mountainside as an avalanche is most terrifying. If you find yourself caught in one, survival is slim, at best. Hundreds of people die every year in avalanches. Many of them were athletically skilled individuals, even skilled climbers. Many of them were caught out in the open snow.
It isn’t very easy to turn back from a snow crossing once you’ve begun. So much time will be lost. When in doubt, don’t do it and save your life. A large percentage of avalanche fatalities are expert skiers with avalanche training. Think on that for a bit. Sometimes knowing is not enough to save you. Oftentimes, it is the knowing that makes a person unnecessarily reckless.
Alpine (high mountain) climbers are advised to always carry an avalanche beacon, a probe and a shovel to help in your own rescue should you, or your party, become trapped in an avalanche.
Just as there are many ways that an object may fall on you while climbing, there are so many ways for you, yourself, to fall.
?As a climber, you could loose your hold and drop into the air. It could be the last sensation you know.
?You may go careening down a mountainside. After that cruel and painful fall, hopefully there won’t be a deep hole or a crevasse to swallow you up. (Good grief!)
?Be supremely careful on slick ice slopes. Crampons, an ice axe and ice screws (pickets) become necessary here. One slip could mean no return for you.
There are snow slopes for which a potential avalanche must always be considered. At the base of these snow slopes lies the danger of a hidden crevasse. Painstaking use of a snow bridge often becomes vital. You’ll want to have an experienced climber with you for those instances when advancing over snow, especially snow on ice, is a difficult decision. If you insist on going, a straight ascent is favored over a horizontal one. With this approach, there is less risk of snow movement, less to encourage an avalanche.
Crevasses are deep chasms found in glaciers. They may be easily seen or they may be hidden from sight. It takes experience and caution to detect them. Your best protection is to rope your climbing party together. Don’t ever cross a crevasse without being tied to at least one person.
Weather is an awesome force high in the mountains. You can never escape it so don’t think that you can ignore it. You may experience a whiteout where you’d be lucky to see a few feet in front of you. In the summer, you may experience thunderstorms or lightning, even lightning all by itself. All climbers are advised to have an alpine start, that is, a climb that starts before or at first light. It gives you the chance to return to base during daylight should the weather become threatening.
Breathing is difficult high in the mountains because there is less oxygen in the air. The body needs to acclimatize, to become accustomed to the thin air. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you’ll probably develop altitude sickness. If you do not descend immediately when this happens, your condition could progress to one of two forms of edema. Both conditions could be fatal within 24 hours. I repeat, fatal within a day. If this happens, get yourself off that mountain right now!
Mountain climbing is absurdly dangerous. You really will risk your life, over and over. But, oh, to stand on the summit. To be so high, to see for many miles, possibly over many miles of mountains, to know that you stand where few have gone before. What a feeling! Very few things come close. Be careful up there!
Annie
How the Rock Climbing History Has Helped Climbers Sharpen Their Skills
June 8th, 2009
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
Climbing is of different types and varieties. Rock climbing history is an offshoot of Mountaineering, since most of the mountaineers always have this particular kind of drive to try more challenging and thrilling climbs and terrains. It is obvious that Rock Climbing involves climbing on steep rocks and cliffs.
According to rock climbing history, rock climbing remained a part of mountaineering. It has remained as a form of training in order to improve their climbing skills and to learn several climbing techniques.
Rock climbing history states that this activity became popular in the U.S as an essential factor in mountain climbing during 1920s. Rock Climbing discovered its identity and people started to recognize rock climbing as an individual sport in 1950s.
More and more people went crazy for this freaky sport rock climbing. This gave the way for the development of grading system. Grading system gave an indication of how easy or difficult the climb is. The climber can choose the grade he wants to climb depending on his level of skill and expertise.
Grading system is different in different countries. Each country has developed its own grading system in order to assess the climber’s level of expertise. What came with this event was the development of different Climbing Styles that are based on the type of the terrain, with or without the use of ropes and several other gear, indoor or outdoor, etc.
Rock climbing history gradually came towards a trend that made shorter but more difficult and challenging climbs. Knowing that Rock Climbing as an outdoor sport could be really dangerous as it can cause fatal accidents. Safety and protection were greatly given importance. Techniques and advanced equipments came about as a natural development leading from harder and more challenging climbing routes.
As we have seen earlier rock climbing was yet a part of mountaineering. Many developments have happened and the invention of modern techniques over the years until it became a sport in its own right, and it continues to gain popularity and craze at present.
People of all ages are enjoying this addictive and exhilarating sport. The various techniques and equipments that have come about for an improved experience aid this passion. This enables the climbers to better enjoy what Rock Climbing has to offer.
Although the practice of rock climbing according to rock climbing history was an important part of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps, it is generally considered that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the 19th century in at least 3 areas Elbsandsteingebirge, in Saxony near Dresden, the Lake District of England, and the Dolomites in Italy.
Rock climbing evolved slowly from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right, making it imprudent to cite an Ancestor of the latter in each of these three locales. Thus, Rock climbing has become a popular sport among the adventure lovers whose daring actions literally secretes adrenaline for the spectators.
Leslie
Climbing is of different types and varieties. Rock climbing history is an offshoot of Mountaineering, since most of the mountaineers always have this particular kind of drive to try more challenging and thrilling climbs and terrains. It is obvious that Rock Climbing involves climbing on steep rocks and cliffs.
According to rock climbing history, rock climbing remained a part of mountaineering. It has remained as a form of training in order to improve their climbing skills and to learn several climbing techniques.
Rock climbing history states that this activity became popular in the U.S as an essential factor in mountain climbing during 1920s. Rock Climbing discovered its identity and people started to recognize rock climbing as an individual sport in 1950s.
More and more people went crazy for this freaky sport rock climbing. This gave the way for the development of grading system. Grading system gave an indication of how easy or difficult the climb is. The climber can choose the grade he wants to climb depending on his level of skill and expertise.
Grading system is different in different countries. Each country has developed its own grading system in order to assess the climber’s level of expertise. What came with this event was the development of different Climbing Styles that are based on the type of the terrain, with or without the use of ropes and several other gear, indoor or outdoor, etc.
Rock climbing history gradually came towards a trend that made shorter but more difficult and challenging climbs. Knowing that Rock Climbing as an outdoor sport could be really dangerous as it can cause fatal accidents. Safety and protection were greatly given importance. Techniques and advanced equipments came about as a natural development leading from harder and more challenging climbing routes.
As we have seen earlier rock climbing was yet a part of mountaineering. Many developments have happened and the invention of modern techniques over the years until it became a sport in its own right, and it continues to gain popularity and craze at present.
People of all ages are enjoying this addictive and exhilarating sport. The various techniques and equipments that have come about for an improved experience aid this passion. This enables the climbers to better enjoy what Rock Climbing has to offer.
Although the practice of rock climbing according to rock climbing history was an important part of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps, it is generally considered that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the 19th century in at least 3 areas Elbsandsteingebirge, in Saxony near Dresden, the Lake District of England, and the Dolomites in Italy.
Rock climbing evolved slowly from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right, making it imprudent to cite an Ancestor of the latter in each of these three locales. Thus, Rock climbing has become a popular sport among the adventure lovers whose daring actions literally secretes adrenaline for the spectators.
Leslie
Know About The Weather For Mountain Climbing
June 5th, 2009
Joan Shine asked:
If you’re going to climb a mountain, better come prepared. For all its majestic views, mountains can be especially hazardous if the climber is inexperienced or ignorant of certain conditions involved. One of these is the weather.
Weather in the mountains can be notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly during the course of a day. This is why it’s absolutely necessary to find out about weather conditions before heading out for a trip. Remember that once you have begun your ascent, you are at the mercy of the mountain and you can’t do anything about the weather. You need to be prepared to face it.
Starting out Always refer to the weather reports during the week before the climb. It is necessary to know the general conditions during the days preceding your climb so you can assess your route more accurately. Sunny weather during the climb will not assure a safe trip if a storm passed over the area the day before. This is a consideration you will need to be aware of.
You might also want to check with the forest service before going up the mountain. They often maintain regular monitoring of the prevailing conditions in the mountains and can advise you on whether it’s safe to climb or not or which areas to avoid or keep to during your climb.
Dress up for rain At ground level, you probably won’t have any problems with mountain weather. Prevalent conditions are likely to stay the same all day. But as you climb, weather conditions can change. Even when you’re climbing during summer, it’s best to bring rain gear. Mountains are generously blessed with precipitation and it’s not unusual to be rained on during your trek.
Wear sensible shoes and protective clothing. You can also opt to dress in several layers, so you can add or remove as mountain conditions and personal comfort dictate. Oftentimes, it’s necessary to bring insulated clothing to protect you against extremely cold conditions, especially at higher elevations. It is also possible to experience snow in the mountains even during summer.
Mountain summits can also be the site of storms because of the nearly constant presence of clouds. Precipitation in these locations can also be high and rain often occurs in these areas. Climbers should watch out for sudden drops in temperature and sudden rainstorms when they are near the mountain top.
The risk of rain Rainy weather in the mountains can spell many dangers for climbers. For one, rain can cause slippery rocks and terrain. It can also cause mudslides in unstable areas of the mountain.
Mountain rivers and streams can also be a hazard because of rain. Since these feed off the water brought by the rainstorm, they can increase in depth and flow speed rapidly and can quickly turn into a strong torrent of water right after a rainstorm.
Lightning Summer storms can bring lightning. This is especially a threat near the summit. Climbers have been struck by lightning before, so it’s best to schedule your climb to avoid this accident. Since storms occur during late mornings or early afternoons, it’s best to begin climbing during the early hours of the day to avoid increased risk of getting struck.
Climbing in the snow Avalanches are a threat to any climber especially during winter and spring. Heavy snow with strong winds usually produce unstable snow packs that cause avalanches. What may seem like a solid, reliable ground covered with snow can quickly change into a dangerous avalanche that can sweep a climber away, burying him under several feet of snow.
Rockfalls can also be caused by ice that form in the night which attach rocks to the surface of the mountain. During the day, when the weather is warm, the ice can melt and dislodge the rocks. In the spring or in summer, snow can melt under the sun and weaken a patch. If a climber accidentally steps into one, it can cause the ground to fall under his weight and cause an avalanche.
Sunny weather At higher elevations, it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself against the sun’s rays. You may not feel the heat because of the colder atmosphere, but you are at a risk of suffering from a sunburn. Protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and wear a sunscreen or a sunblock.
Russell
If you’re going to climb a mountain, better come prepared. For all its majestic views, mountains can be especially hazardous if the climber is inexperienced or ignorant of certain conditions involved. One of these is the weather.
Weather in the mountains can be notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly during the course of a day. This is why it’s absolutely necessary to find out about weather conditions before heading out for a trip. Remember that once you have begun your ascent, you are at the mercy of the mountain and you can’t do anything about the weather. You need to be prepared to face it.
Starting out Always refer to the weather reports during the week before the climb. It is necessary to know the general conditions during the days preceding your climb so you can assess your route more accurately. Sunny weather during the climb will not assure a safe trip if a storm passed over the area the day before. This is a consideration you will need to be aware of.
You might also want to check with the forest service before going up the mountain. They often maintain regular monitoring of the prevailing conditions in the mountains and can advise you on whether it’s safe to climb or not or which areas to avoid or keep to during your climb.
Dress up for rain At ground level, you probably won’t have any problems with mountain weather. Prevalent conditions are likely to stay the same all day. But as you climb, weather conditions can change. Even when you’re climbing during summer, it’s best to bring rain gear. Mountains are generously blessed with precipitation and it’s not unusual to be rained on during your trek.
Wear sensible shoes and protective clothing. You can also opt to dress in several layers, so you can add or remove as mountain conditions and personal comfort dictate. Oftentimes, it’s necessary to bring insulated clothing to protect you against extremely cold conditions, especially at higher elevations. It is also possible to experience snow in the mountains even during summer.
Mountain summits can also be the site of storms because of the nearly constant presence of clouds. Precipitation in these locations can also be high and rain often occurs in these areas. Climbers should watch out for sudden drops in temperature and sudden rainstorms when they are near the mountain top.
The risk of rain Rainy weather in the mountains can spell many dangers for climbers. For one, rain can cause slippery rocks and terrain. It can also cause mudslides in unstable areas of the mountain.
Mountain rivers and streams can also be a hazard because of rain. Since these feed off the water brought by the rainstorm, they can increase in depth and flow speed rapidly and can quickly turn into a strong torrent of water right after a rainstorm.
Lightning Summer storms can bring lightning. This is especially a threat near the summit. Climbers have been struck by lightning before, so it’s best to schedule your climb to avoid this accident. Since storms occur during late mornings or early afternoons, it’s best to begin climbing during the early hours of the day to avoid increased risk of getting struck.
Climbing in the snow Avalanches are a threat to any climber especially during winter and spring. Heavy snow with strong winds usually produce unstable snow packs that cause avalanches. What may seem like a solid, reliable ground covered with snow can quickly change into a dangerous avalanche that can sweep a climber away, burying him under several feet of snow.
Rockfalls can also be caused by ice that form in the night which attach rocks to the surface of the mountain. During the day, when the weather is warm, the ice can melt and dislodge the rocks. In the spring or in summer, snow can melt under the sun and weaken a patch. If a climber accidentally steps into one, it can cause the ground to fall under his weight and cause an avalanche.
Sunny weather At higher elevations, it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself against the sun’s rays. You may not feel the heat because of the colder atmosphere, but you are at a risk of suffering from a sunburn. Protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and wear a sunscreen or a sunblock.
Russell