Philmont like most of the front range of the Rockies experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms which may be extremely localized. Lightning can stike or from well in front as well as behind a line of thunderstorms. Any storms within 15-20 miles may be considered a danger.
So some additional suggestions:
1. Get your hiking done early before the afternoon storms. 2 pm and after are the most like times for afternoon thunderstorms. If humidity is high before lunch storms are almost certain.
2. If you have a ridge or exposed high altitude area to hike over do it early. Baldy, Phillip and Tooth ridge and many others are all exposed areas. Make sure plan accordingly.
3. Keep your sleeping pad available. If you get caught exposed without shelter and can not drop your packs, grab your pads and separate. Fold your pads over 1 or twice and squat on your pad.
4. If hiking to avoid a storm spread out. You don't want to be bunched up should a strike occur.
5. When you get to camp look up! Avoid widow makers and tall trees. If you are camp get in your tent on your pad. Great time to catch a nap.
In '72 had a lightning stike within a couple hundred yards near Hart's peak between Ponil and Indian Writings. Back then alumimum pack frames were pretty common. My buddy and I drop our packs and found cover under some large rocks. It is not a situtation I wish to repeat.
In '02 at Lamberts Mine Camp Storm came up as we pulled into camp. 12 people setup there tents in less than 5 minutes and were under cover as a afternoon storm blew over. Much better situation.
Watch the weather, plan your hike, and be prepared.
>From: "John Swanson" <j_swanson@hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: philmont@troop47.com
>To: Multiple recipients of list philmont <philmont@troop47.com>
>Subject: [Philmont]: Fw: Lightning Strikes
>Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 22:01:03 -0500
>
>
>The following was issued in recognition of the Dept. of Interior's Safety & Health Awareness Week. I thought it was a good reminder for those of us going to Philmont.
>
>
>b Lightning Strikesb
>
>April showers bring May flowers. Spring storms may also bring thunder and lightning. The National Weather Service reports that in the United States, an average of 73 people are killed each year by lightning, and lightning injures approximately 1000 people a year. In 2003, there were 44 deaths from lightning strikes.
>
>Lightning Safeguards
>
>Lightning is the #2 weather killer in the U.S. b killing more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Only floods kill more. Remember, that no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. Practice Lightning Safety in order to avoid the serious danger of being struck by lightning:
>
>o Follow the 30-30 rule: When lightning is sighted count the time from when you hear the thunder to seeing the flash. If the time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is close enough to be dangerous. Wait 30 minutes or more after the lightning flash before leaving shelter.
>o Seek shelter: A house or fully enclosed constructed building, with wiring and plumbing, offers the best protection. Do not use the telephone, remove headsets, and stay away from electric appliances and plumbing. Lightning may strike exterior electric or phone lines and transmit shocks to inside equipment.
>An automobile with a metal roof is the second best choice for protection. The vehicleb s metal shell is what provides protection, not the rubber tires.
>o Unsafe Areas: Avoid places that are near water, near electrical equipment, under trees or poles, open structures (picnic pavilions, rain shelters, bus stops), large open areas, hills, near electrical equipment or power lines. Avoid open vehicles (i.e. tractors, lawn mowers, ATVb s and golf carts).
>o Lightning Crouch: If caught outdoors in the open use the lightning crouch. If in a group, spread out. Next, put your feet together, squat down, tuck your head, and cover your ears. Remember this is a b last resortb precaution; always try to seek shelter in a vehicle or indoors.
>
>Lightning Facts
>
>The National Weather Service estimates 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year. At least 30 million points on the ground are struck, on the average, each year in the United States. What are the odds of being struck by Lightning?
>
>o The odds of an individual being killed by lightning in the U.S. are approximately 3 million to one.
>o The odds of being killed by lightning over a lifetime are 35,000 to one.
>o Lightning is the #1 weather killer in Florida b killing more than all other weather sources combined.
>
>Remember that summer is the peak season for thunderstorms and lightning.Know what to do if caught outdoors during an approaching thunderstorm. Seek shelter and follow lightning safety procedures. The odds may be 3
>million to one, but that one is too many.
>
>Lightning: One Strike and Your Out!
>
>John Swanson
>Troop 260, Lakeville, MN
>716-A3
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