[philmont] Lightning Strike INjuries

We were told by the staff when we arrived at Baldy Camp during the porch
talk around July 5th that we were to be OFF of Baldy by noon so that we
would not be up there in the afternoon due to potential lightning strikes.
We were not staying at Baldy but merely there to get our food and showers
before heading to Copper Park. I wonder if this crew had been thru Baldy
Camp before heading up?

  _____

From: Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of John
LeBlanc
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 6:29 PM
To: Philmont List Member
Subject: [Philmont] Lightning Strike INjuries

The information is still sketchy about the lightning incident at Philmont
Sunday afternoon. I am hopeful that more information will be forthcoming.

However, several notable thigns have surfaced.

Obviously it was not a direct strike.

Second, it was sometime in the afternoon. I haven't been able to determine
the time as of yet, but afternoon which should emphasize to those on this
list to "do the mountain" early.

Also it was reported that it was the result of a fast moving storm system
moving through the area and in one article it said a "dry lightning strike".

They were able to walk down to a "base camp" located at 10,000 feet which is
probably eronious as there is only one base camp at Philmont, CHQ. What
probably happened is they reached a staffed camp. But they made it down
safely to meet vehicles.

The other thing Iwould like to point out is you can look at yesterdays radar
loop which is the midnight to midnight (or close thereof) radar loop. I
intended on doing so and after reading that it ooccurred after a fast moving
storm system moved through the area, but you can't wait until tomorrow to
look at it as they only archive it for one day.

I went to Intellicast.com and clicked on Roswell, NM and then went to
Historic weather and clicked on yesterdays loop.

I got a surprise. I expected to see a large fast moving air mass. That was
not the case. If anything it was a rather non descript thunderstorp, not a
large fast moving storm front, but that is all it takes.

Truth of the matter is that one bolt of lightning from a really small
thunderstorm can do a lot ofdammage.

One of the misconceptions about lightning is people state "it's far enough
wawy". Lightning is NEVER far enough away. It's just that the chances of
being struck by lightning are very slim indeed.

The other observation is the boys were from several ,ocalities indicating
that it was not a regular contingent or council contingent but possibly a
Rayada or Mountain Man trek. There are some other possibilities also, but
that makes no difference.

In conclusion, lightning is a definate hazard at Philont. Just as you
follow bear safety guidelines, so should we follor good lightning safety
proceedure. This is not to even suggest that wasn't being followed, just a
reinteration.

http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Yesterday.aspx?location=USNM0267
<http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Yesterday.aspx?location=USNM0267&
animate=true> &animate=true

John LeBlanc

  _____

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Received on Mon Jul 30 19:29:33 2007