How Do You Avoid Lightning In The Wilderness?
Lightning can strike at any time. This is especially true in the backcountry, where the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Be prepared to take these steps to protect yourself. Monitor the sky for changing weather conditions. Puffy white cumulus clouds, especially tall ones, are a potential danger sign. An anvil-shaped cumulonimbus cloud is a sure sign of danger. At the first sound of thunder, or earlier if you see danger approaching, get down off of any exposed area such as a ridge or peak. Leave any clearing you may happen to find yourself in. You don’t want to be the tallest thing around. Seek uniform cover. A forested area is ideal. Avoid solitary trees. Avoid small trenches or caves, as lightning can travel over the open area and strike you in the process. Insulate yourself from the ground by crouching, heels together, on a sleeping pad, coil of rope, or backpack with the frame down. Make your surface area as small as possible by rolling yourself into a ball and covering yo
