Storm Tactics

[ofuros]

If its one of those once in a lifetime storms, survival tactics come into play...take note of your surrounds before making camp, keep a sheltered spot in mind if the $&!; really hits the fan.

It doesn't have to be a very large space, enough room to squeeze into/under/behind with a UQ & tarp wrapped around yourself.....until the devastation passes.

Don't let pride be your guide....go to ground & survive.

[dudeman_atl]

For straight line storms like what hit BWCA the important thing is to guard against tree blow down. There are a ton of weak trees due to the forest being natural and unmanaged.

First, listen to weather radio often to know of imminent threats.

Second, plan for a location that is sheltered from the wind. Big rocks or hills can provide shelter. Be aware of which direction the wind is blowing and pick accordingly.

Third, secure all critical items such as canoes by lashing them down.

Communicate the plan to the group before the emergency.

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[Jake2c]

I hiked on the AT for 4 months so hard to avoid weather. In general I tried to stay out of really bad storms but when caught out it was more a comfort thing than worried about getting hurt thing. I got caught out in one really bad one. Report was gusts to 60mph+. This is the one that destroyed a Rock Gap shelter when a very large tree came down. I had no choice so I hung closer to the ground so that the tarp edges basically were on the ground. It was a wild ride, you could hear the wind coming before it got to you, really sounded like a train. I did have to reset two of the lines on my tarp during the night but in the end I came through it dry. I don't know if that really helps but you just prepare the best you can and ride it out. During this bad storm it was also cold out so hypothermia was a concern. Staying dry was a necessity.

[gbrugs]

Great responses. Thank you everyone for your feedback.

Summary:
1) Check weather, season, conditions, for your trip out to the bush.
2) Be aware of what could pop up and prepare for those scenarios with your gear.
3) when you get to a camp spot, scope out the area a bit for any shelter in case of a fluke storm. Have a plan.
4) If a storm arrives, get to area that you found, if no good area found, try to stay dry and warm and hope for the best. Trust your gear.

My takes:
Weather up here in MN and WI can bring unpredictable fronts in a quick pace due to rapid temp changes. A lot of areas are like this in the mountains in other areas as well. I am thinking a weather radio is needed to add to my collection. We have gone on 10 day canoe trips and you can predict weather that far out so things can happen no matter how much you prepare.

I like the mentality that once you are out there, try not to worry too much about it. If it does happen, use your instincts and do your best.

[somniferous]

Pay attention to what kind of trees you are hanging from as well. Some trees have shallow root systems, like pines and cedars, and can topple over easier than other types of trees in high wind conditions.

[Shug]

Yes it is good to have a plan in your head.
Check area and trees and find what you think will be the safest spot. No guarentees though in nature.
The storm that hit MN last week hit at 4AM. A truly bad time.
Be prepared to grab rain gear and exit the hammock or tent and go hunker down in that safe spot. Make yourself do it.
Big storms never last long. They hit fast and hard.
Stay face into the wind so you can see what is coming.
Hope for the best.
My inReach Explorer now has a weather update as well as the ever good SOS button. http://www.inreachdelorme.com/produc...h-explorer.php

Shug