RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
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Post by RumiDude on Aug 12, 2016 8:19:07 GMT -8
I consider an altimeter/barometer to be ann essential tool for forecasting bad weather in the wilderness, or making precise measurements at your immediate location. Back in February of 2015, I was able to save myself from being stranded in the backcountry through proper monitoring of the barometric pressure. I was intending to be out for about ten days in ONP and it rained every day. I watched the barometer and could see each system come and go while out there. The pressure would drop a little, then it would rain, then the pressure would go back up, followed by the rain stopping. I expected the rain because of the time of the year and because of the general forecast. But being out for more than a couple days I knew I needed to watch for a major system coming through, which I knew was quite possible also. On the eighth day the barometric pressure started dropping precipitously which told me that a major weather system was coming through. I decided to cut my trip short and get out of the woods. On day nine I headed for the trail head. Winter low pressure systems on the coast means a lot of moisture will be dropped bringing flooding. Along with the moisture comes high winds. The combination of saturated soil and high winds ups the potential for entire trees toppling. And when one tree comes down it can be like dominoes falling. I got out just in time to avoid a couple washouts, one being the road back to the highway. I didn't want to stay out there among those giant trees with the high winds. Rumi
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Post by hikerchick395 on Aug 12, 2016 9:17:20 GMT -8
I've never cancelled a backpack because of weather but have bailed during a hike...for instance, eight straight days of rain in 1990 was enough, and that was the storm that hit the 13 hikers in the hut on Mount Whitney.
(I like to dayhike when there are storms predicted...only had one real close call in all of my years out there.)
Now we have cancelled a backpack because of smoke. Turned out to be a pretty good decision because that freed us up to accompany 4WheelBob up White Mountain in 2007.
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davesenesac
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Our precious life is short within eternity, don't waste it!
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Post by davesenesac on Aug 12, 2016 12:33:57 GMT -8
Hello k, Welcome to this old forum (: Although most members have been responding as though you are asking about backpacking, your question specifically uses the term "hiking" that tends to mean day hiking. Of course checking weather before multi-day overnight backpacking in mountains is much more important than doing so day hiking. Whether hiking or backpacking, one must carry some weight of gear. The more gear, the more effort thus it is wise to seek an efficient balance. The more unpleasant the weather the more gear one needs to cope thus knowing what weather is queued up can be of great importance. As an outdoor photographer, my needs in order to produce strong images, is very sensitive to weather conditions. As a result I have been keenly following weather for decades. In this Internet era what I can glean from online weather information is a long ways beyond what the average outdoor enthusiast looks for when looking at forecasts. And I have an extensive collection of gear to handle if necessary, difficult weather over all seasons. If breezes much less wind is about, photographing subjects that move like flowers, fall leaves, water, etc can become difficult or impossible. Actual gusty windy weather can blow over a tripod causing expensive damage. A few small clouds in a landscape frame are often preferred however when clouds cover much of the sky, larger landscapes usually to become dim, flat, contrasty where sun illuminates, and relatively boring. Cloudy skies also can mute color saturation of landscape elements greatly while at the same time may more evenly illuminate close-up subjects instead of being contrasty and harsh. Photographing during rainy or snowy weather causes equipment issues like water on lenses, short circuiting of internal electronic circuits inside cameras and other electronic gear. A little rain can be handled with protection but stronger rain is usually a futile notion. Thus weather is very important for this person. There is of course much than I related above. For multi day backpacking with forecasts of stormy periods is not necessarily a bad thing as it may provide dramatic skies. www.davidsenesac.com/2016_Trip_Chronicles/spring_2016-9.html#jun17However if forecasts are showing continuously stormy conditions, I am likely to bail and change plans. Forecasts of thunderstorm can significantly affect where I feel safe tenting thus affect plans. I'm also very concerned with air quality and clarity. Ideally I prefer bright clear saturated blue skies versus murky hazy skies. I would not want to strenuously hike up to a location where I expected to shoot a dawn, sunrise, sunset, or dust when air is not forecast to be clear. Forecasts in any case may significantly affect where I plan to camp. With thunderstorms there are many locations with lightning dangers and or dangers of tent site flooding. With strong wind my very lightweight flimsy summer tent may not stand up so would not want to site in open exposed locations. Much more. Understanding weather is key for an outdoor person the more serious an enthusiast they become. David
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cajun
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GEAUX TIGERS!!
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Post by cajun on Aug 12, 2016 18:00:40 GMT -8
I'm mostly a fair weather hiker, so I always check.
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Post by kumachan on Aug 12, 2016 18:27:34 GMT -8
I check in spring and autumn.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 4:27:41 GMT -8
I hike solo most of the time, and have learned over a few decades how to prepare for just about anything, but I do watch the weather closely leading up to a hike. Bad weather usually does not deter me, unless it looks to be truly wicked. I've endured a tropical storm in WV mountains that raised creek levels to truly terrifying whitewater death traps. (That was a LONG way out that time) and was nearly snowed in, with my car totally drifted over, So I will cancel if to me it would be stupid to be out there, but most of the time I just go, prepared for whatever season it is. Weather is part of the wilderness experience as far as I'm concerned, but going solo, I don't push my luck too far. My wife won't let me!
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Post by ecocentric on Aug 13, 2016 5:44:20 GMT -8
I can be pretty geeky in my preparations for a trip. Weather conditions are just part of it. I like to know about recent climate as well, drought conditions mean there is a higher risk of fires and plants will be under stress. Rain in the desert inspired my wildflower foray this last spring. I also have downloaded geological maps and soil surveys when they are pertinent to what I am looking for on a hike. davesenesac's post reminded me that The Photographers Ephemeris and an astronomy program on my phone are also useful for making sure I see what the sky has to offer, and to know where to be in position for good photographs. There are also space weather forecasts, which can mean seeing the Northern Lights.
Sometimes I just get the urge and without any preparation or planning, walk off into the woods.
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Post by vinovampire on Aug 13, 2016 7:49:26 GMT -8
I always check the weather before I go on any trip and if I get a chance while I'm on the trip. I want to be as aware of the conditions as possible. I've only ever cancelled one backpacking trip (as far as I can remember). In August 2011, I was packed and ready to go on a four-day trip on the Long Trail in central Vermont. Fortunately I checked the weather and news because Hurricane Irene was heading our way. The tropical storm caused massive flooding and damage to the state. If I had been out on the trail, it would have been a very, very bad time.
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
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Post by RumiDude on Aug 13, 2016 8:04:15 GMT -8
I always check the weather before I go on any trip and if I get a chance while I'm on the trip. I want to be as aware of the conditions as possible. I've only ever cancelled one backpacking trip (as far as I can remember). In August 2011, I was packed and ready to go on a four-day trip on the Long Trail in central Vermont. Fortunately I checked the weather and news because Hurricane Irene was heading our way. The tropical storm caused massive flooding and damage to the state. If I had been out on the trail, it would have been a very, very bad time. What a wuss, letting a hurricane deter you from going. Don't you realize how rare it is that people are killed by such things. (/sarcasm) Rumi
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 8:17:26 GMT -8
I always check the weather before I go on any trip and if I get a chance while I'm on the trip. I want to be as aware of the conditions as possible. I've only ever cancelled one backpacking trip (as far as I can remember). In August 2011, I was packed and ready to go on a four-day trip on the Long Trail in central Vermont. Fortunately I checked the weather and news because Hurricane Irene was heading our way. The tropical storm caused massive flooding and damage to the state. If I had been out on the trail, it would have been a very, very bad time. What a wuss, letting a hurricane deter you from going. Don't you realize how rare it is that people are killed by such things. (/sarcasm) Rumi Let me know the next time you hear of a hurricane in Wyoming.
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
Posts: 2,361
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Post by RumiDude on Aug 13, 2016 8:22:35 GMT -8
What a wuss, letting a hurricane deter you from going. Don't you realize how rare it is that people are killed by such things. (/sarcasm) Rumi Let me know the next time you hear of a hurricane in Wyoming. I only know about one big windbag in Wyoming. Rumi
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 8:44:06 GMT -8
What a wuss, letting a hurricane deter you from going. Don't you realize how rare it is that people are killed by such things. (/sarcasm) Rumi Let me know the next time you hear of a hurricane in Wyoming. I only know about one big windbag in Wyoming. Rumi Oh, Rumi, you are so easy. Remember one of the last times: Well you have come around to your usual insulting condescension so I will leave the debate. . . And you accuse me of "insulting condescension"? LMAO
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
Posts: 2,361
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Post by RumiDude on Aug 13, 2016 9:02:11 GMT -8
I only know about one big windbag in Wyoming. Rumi Oh, Rumi, you are so easy. Remember one of the last times: Well you have come around to your usual insulting condescension so I will leave the debate. . . And you accuse me of "insulting condescension"? LMAO Travis, you must not be able to read well. I have not mentioned your name in the above quote. I merely wrote: "I know of only one big windbag in Wyoming." HYOH and apply it to yourself if that is how you feel. Rumi
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 9:20:58 GMT -8
Oh, Rumi, you are so easy. Remember one of the last times: And you accuse me of "insulting condescension"? LMAO Travis, you must not be able to read well. I have not mentioned your name in the above quote. I merely wrote: "I know of only one big windbag in Wyoming." HYOH and apply it to yourself if that is how you feel. Rumi Yeah, sure, Rumi. Wink, wink. And you just happened to address your epithet to the only guy from Wyoming in the thread? Alright, fine. Hey, do me a big favor, would you. If you have some inside information on exactly when the Yellowstone Supervolcano is going to blow, give me a head's up. I have a wild hunch that might constitute severe weather, and I wouldn't want to be caught dead in it. You know, with all the backpackers in Wyoming killed by hurricanes recently, who knows what could happen?
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mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
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Post by mk on Aug 13, 2016 10:53:49 GMT -8
OK boys. Do we have to separate you two?
Yes. I check the weather. Whether for backpacking or a road trip to visit relatives. Because I like to have an idea of what I might be facing -- taken with a grain of salt, since reliability isn't for sure. Never had to cancel a backpack trip for weather, but we have hiked out a day early a couple of times to stay ahead of thundering downpours that serve only to make the hike miserable, the trail slippery, and soak the gear.
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