|
04.09.09
Winter Warnings
New Hampshire Fish and Game warns hikers that
winter conditions still prevail in the mountains.
CONCORD, N.H. -- With
the arrival of mid-April, many outdoor enthusiasts are thinking that
winter is over, and surely spring is finally here. While that may be the
case in some locations, hikers, climbers, and skiers should be aware
that winter conditions can linger well into May in the White Mountains
of New Hampshire. With sometimes- challenging backcountry conditions in
mind, the NH Outdoor Council and outdoors authorities are advising
Granite State residents and springtime visitors to "Hike Safe."
"New Hampshire's woods and mountains are a great place for spring
recreation," notes New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer
Lieutenant Todd Bogardus. "If you're involved in activities such as
hiking or backcountry skiing, there are many fantastic opportunities
here. But the nature of the mountain environment is that it can be a
dangerous place. Visitors who are looking forward to a mountain
adventure have to realize that spring is very slow in coming, and winter
conditions will persist here long after springtime appears further
south, and at lower elevations." According to Bogardus, the lingering
mountain snowpack, plus the usual cool spring weather, mean that hikers
and others need to take special precautions to enjoy their adventures
safely.
"Hikers should expect to find deep snows that make traveling and
trail-finding difficult well into April - perhaps even into early May,"
says Bogardus, "and that means bringing along snowshoes for springtime
hikes." He also advises that as conditions cause ice or icy snow on
trails, crampons (ice spikes, strapped to sturdy boots) or similar
equipment will be needed for safe footing. "In planning your trip,
hikers should anticipate that extra time will be needed to find
snow-covered paths and negotiate snowy and icy trails," he adds.
While snow levels will eventually diminish, making high-country travel a
bit easier, that process will result in another spring hazard:
challenging stream crossings. "Many backcountry river crossings are not
bridged, and require care to cross safely even with low water levels,"
warns Bogardus. "With the extra water of snowmelt, plus more water from
time to time due to spring rains, some stream crossings may be very
difficult or even impossible to negotiate safely. Hikers definitely need
to be ready to change their plans if such obstacles present themselves."
Another prominent hazard is that mountain weather in springtime is often
much more severe than most people expect. High in the White Mountains,
temperatures can get below zero even in May, winds are often strong and
chilling, visibility can be very poor in low clouds, and snow can fall
at any time. Dressing in layers (to suit varying conditions), and
including warm clothing and raingear, are recommended.
Some locations in the White Mountains have added hazards. "Avalanche
conditions can exist on Mount Washington well into spring," says Rebecca
Oreskes, of the White Mountain National Forest. "Similar hazards can be
encountered in other areas, especially those with steep, open slopes.
All backcountry hikers, climbers, and skiers should be aware of
avalanche danger and other hazards, such as falling ice and "undermined"
areas, where there may be thin and weak snow cover over frigid streams."
Oreskes notes that any climber venturing onto steep snow slopes also has
to have appropriate equipment, such as an ice ax, and must be skilled in
climbing techniques such as "self arrest."
Guidelines for safe hiking are set out in the principles of "hikeSafe,"
a joint initiative of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the
White Mountain National Forest to promote safe and responsible hiking.
The hikeSafe "Hiker Responsibility Code" sums up the basic tenets of
backcountry safety:
1) Be prepared with appropriate knowledge and gear;
2) Let someone else know your plans;
3) Hiking groups should stay together, and not let themselves become
separated;
4) Hikers should always be ready to turn back if circumstances, such as
changing weather, dictate;
5) Hikers should be ready for emergencies, and, ideally, be set to
effect "self rescue"; and
6) Those who know the code should share its lessons with others.
"In spite of the challenges, most springtime visitors to our state's
forests and mountains have great experiences," says Bogardus, "and
there's a better chance of having a memorable and satisfying trip if
hikers follow the hikeSafe principles."
For more information about the hikeSafe program, visit
http://www.hikesafe.com and the NH Outdoor Council at
http://www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org.
|
