Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Natural Hazards
Besides tripping over a rock or tree root on the trail, there are some real hazards to
be aware of while hiking. Even if where you're hiking doesn't have the plethora
of poisonous snakes and plants, insects, and grizzly bears found in other parts of
the United States, there are a few weather conditions and predators you may need
to take into account.
Lightning. Thunderstorms build over the mountains almost every day during
the summer. Lightning is generated by thunderheads and can strike without warn-
ing, even several miles away from the nearest overhead cloud. The best rule of
thumb is to start leaving exposed peaks, ridges, and canyon rims by about noon.
This time can vary a little depending on storm buildup. Keep an eye on cloud
formation and don't underestimate how fast a storm can build. The bigger they
get, the more likely a thunderstorm will happen. Lightning takes the path of least
resistance, so if you're the high point, it might choose you. Ducking under a rock
overhang is dangerous as you form the shortest path between the rock and ground.
If you dash below treeline, avoid standing under the only or the tallest tree. If you
are caught above treeline, stay away from anything metal you might be carrying,
Move down off the ridge slightly to a low, treeless point and squat until the storm
passes. If you have an insulating pad, squat on it. Avoid having both your hands
and feet touching the ground at once and never lay flat. If you hear a buzzing
sound or feel your hair standing on end, move quickly as an electrical charge is
building up.
Flash floods. On July 31, 1976, a torrential downpour unleashed by a thunder-
storm dumped tons of water into the Big Thompson watershed near Estes Park.
Within hours, a wall of water moved down the narrow canyon killing 139 people
and causing more than $30 million in property damage. The spooky thing about
flash floods, especially in western canyons, is that they can appear out of nowhere
from a storm many miles away. While hiking or driving in canyons, keep an eye
on the weather. Always climb to safety if danger threatens. Flash floods usually
subside quickly, so be patient and don't cross a swollen stream.
Bears. Most of the United States (outside of the Pacific Northwest and parts of
the Northern Rockies) does not have a grizzly bear population, although some ru-
mors exist about sightings where there should be none. Black bears are plentiful,
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