Climbing Mount

If you’re going to climb a mountain, better come prepared. For all its majestic views, mountains can be especially hazardous if the climber is inexperienced or ignorant of certain conditions involved. One of these is the weather. Weather in the mountains can be notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly during the course of a day. This is why it’s absolutely necessary to find out about weather conditions before heading out for a trip. Remember that once you have begun your ascent, you are at the mercy of the mountain and you can’t do anything about the weather. You need to be prepared to face it. Starting out Always refer to the weather reports during the week before the climb. It is necessary to know the general conditions during the days preceding your climb so you can assess your route more accurately. Sunny weather during the climb will not assure a safe trip if a storm passed over the area the day before. This is a consideration you will need to be aware of. You might also want to check with the forest service before going up the mountain. They often maintain regular monitoring of the prevailing conditions in the mountains and can advise you on whether it’s safe to climb or not or which areas to avoid or keep to during your climb. Dress up for rain At ground level, you probably won’t have any problems with mountain weather. Prevalent conditions are likely to stay the same all day. But as you climb, weather conditions can change. Even when you’re climbing during summer, it’s best to bring rain gear. Mountains are generously blessed with precipitation and it’s not unusual to be rained on during your trek. Wear sensible shoes and protective clothing. You can also opt to dress in several layers, so you can add or remove as mountain conditions and personal comfort dictate. Oftentimes, it’s necessary to bring insulated clothing to protect you against extremely cold conditions, especially at higher elevations. It is also possible to experience snow in the mountains even during summer. Mountain summits can also be the site of storms because of the nearly constant presence of clouds. Precipitation in these locations can also be high and rain often occurs in these areas. Climbers should watch out for sudden drops in temperature and sudden rainstorms when they are near the mountain top. The risk of rain Rainy weather in the mountains can spell many dangers for climbers. For one, rain can cause slippery rocks and terrain. It can also cause mudslides in unstable areas of the mountain. Mountain rivers and streams can also be a hazard because of rain. Since these feed off the water brought by the rainstorm, they can increase in depth and flow speed rapidly and can quickly turn into a strong torrent of water right after a rainstorm. Lightning Summer storms can bring lightning. This is especially a threat near the summit. Climbers have been struck by lightning before, so it’s best to schedule your climb to avoid this accident. Since storms occur during late mornings or early afternoons, it’s best to begin climbing during the early hours of the day to avoid increased risk of getting struck. Climbing in the snow Avalanches are a threat to any climber especially during winter and spring. Heavy snow with strong winds usually produce unstable snow packs that cause avalanches. What may seem like a solid, reliable ground covered with snow can quickly change into a dangerous avalanche that can sweep a climber away, burying him under several feet of snow. Rockfalls can also be caused by ice that form in the night which attach rocks to the surface of the mountain. During the day, when the weather is warm, the ice can melt and dislodge the rocks. In the spring or in summer, snow can melt under the sun and weaken a patch. If a climber accidentally steps into one, it can cause the ground to fall under his weight and cause an avalanche. Sunny weather At higher elevations, it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself against the sun’s rays. You may not feel the heat because of the colder atmosphere, but you are at a risk of suffering from a sunburn. Protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and wear a sunscreen or a sunblock.

Climbers trying to scale a mountain need to know what its characteristics are and the level of difficulty involved for a successful climb. This is why mountains have a rating system for climbing. For beginner climbers and climb leaders, this is one of the most important technical information about mountain climbing that they should learn. The rating system is a widely accepted grading method that tells a climber the level of skill and stamina required to scale a particular mountain for free climbing. The system rating also varies from one country to another. There are several types of mountain climbing rating systems, including the Ewbank, UIAA, French and British and Irish. Ewbank Developed by John Ewbank, the Ewbank system was originally intended to provide a rating for the difficulty level of individual moves required for a climb. These days, other considerations are included, such as technical difficulty, strenuousness, exposure and protection levels. This is a system that is used in countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. UIAA The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) is a rating system used for Austria and Western Germany. The French rating system is used in France, Italy and Spain. You probably might encounter this system for especially difficult climbs. British and Irish The British rating system uses the technical grading and the adjectival grading. The technical grading establishes the level of movement difficulties required for the climb and the adjectival grading rates the general difficulty level. It uses the same system as the French rating and grades are often prefixed with ‘F’. An adjectival rating system indicates the general difficulty assessment of a climb. Essentially, it consists of: M – Moderate D/Diff – Difficult VD/VDiff – Very Difficult HVD – Hard Very Difficult S – Severe HS – Hard Severe VS – Very Severe HVS – Hard Very Severe E1, E2, E3, E4, etc. – Extremely Very Severe. This is also an open-ended rating, although the latest climb with the hardest grade is at E11. A confirmed climb graded with the highest difficulty so far is E9. In case you’re wondering, ‘E’ for Easy is hardly used as an adjectival rating for mountain climbing. Also, if you looked in some guidebooks, you might find more detailed descriptions to rate a climb, such as ‘Mild Severe’ or ‘Mild Difficult’. These are used to include several factors that could vary such as conditions from the ground and on different elevations. The YDS The YDS or the Yosemite Decimal System was developed particularly for mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada. It consists of the climbing grade, class and protection, although usage for the latter two varies. This is the rating system that is used in North America and often consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the class while the second indicates the level of difficulty. The grade indicates the approximate number of hours that a normal climb requires and is often used for mountaineering. This isn’t used for shorter rock climbs. Grade I – requires 1-2 hours Grade II – less than 1/2 day Grade III – one-half day Grade IV – one day climb Grade V – two days Grade VI – more than two days Grade VII – one week or more The YDS Class indicates the technical difficulty of a climb. Class 1 – indicates a mountain climb that is good for trail walking, with a small chance of sustaining a fall or injury that is fatal. Class 2 – indicates a mountain that is possibly steep and requires some scrambling, especially off-trail. A Class 2 climb can mean that a climber will need to use his hands or a tool like an ice axe for balance or to pull himself up. This class also indicates a greater chance of sustaining a severe injury, although it’s still not considered fatal. Class 3 – means that the mountain climb will require hand and foot holds and tools such as crampons and ice axes. The use of ropes may also be indicated. Class 4 – requires ropes and anchored belays. Otherwise, falls could prove fatal to the climber. Class 5 – not only requires ropes and anchored belays but also protection points, spread intermittently throughout the climb. This can also indicate increasing difficulty as the climb progresses. Class 5 also indicates rock climbing on a nearly vertical or vertical rock. The protection rating used by the YDS is often optional, but it is quite useful when trying to determine the requirement for protection quality and spacing during a climb. G – stands for Good, indicating solid protection. PG – is Pretty Good, with a few sections where placements are either non-existent or poor at best. R – is Runout, meaning some placements are spaced far apart X -means no protection and that the climb is very dangerous Some guidebooks list a rating system for a climb in extremely detailed figures, such as 4.5, 5.2 or 5.6 that’s why climbers need to study the rating systems used in a particular area to familiarize themselves. It is also important to note that improvements in climbing gear and equipment and increase in climbing standards also meant that a climb rated with a high level of difficulty may currently be recognized as a moderate climb. These are some slight changes that mountain climbers should be aware of. For successful and safe mountain climbing, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with the rating system used. Wherever you are in the world, you will know what to expect and be prepared for your climb.

map, read the guidebooks, ask people who’ve had experience in the area and scout a route. Once you know what to expect from the area in and around the mountain, decide on your pacing – how fast or slow you will be traveling, what time you’ll start, what kind of terrain will be involved and how far before you stop. Find out if you could use your own car to drive to the area and if there is parking available. If not, ask about shuttle services that may be provided. Get some mountain outing skills You don’t have to be a certified mountain man to enjoy a mountain outing, but your group should at least have one or two people who know something about living and surviving in the wilderness. At least have one person who has skills such as, how to navigate the mountains, start a fire or put up a tent. Make sure your fitness level and mountain skills are sufficient for your outing. Don’t attempt to go on a mountain outing hoping to get through with luck and a few basic skills. Make sure the technical skills of at least one group member exceed the difficulty level of the hike or outing. Mind the weather Consider the season when you’re planning a mountain outing. Knowing what to expect can help you organize a safer and more enjoyable trip and prevent unpleasant surprises that might occur. Check with the weather bureau about weather conditions a day before your outing and on the day itself. Never, under any circumstance, try to go on a mountain outing when a storm is headed your way. Contact the forest service They are in charge of the campgrounds and in many areas in the US, people who go out for mountain hikes, picnics or outings are required to register before heading out. They can also alert you on the hazards and dangers that you’ll need to watch out for during your outing. Dress up for the occasion It’s a mountain outing, so dress in clothes that will be comfortable and still provide protection. Wear the appropriate shoes, hats and jackets and if you’re going in winter, wear the right type of clothing that will provide sufficient insulation and protection, including gloves and snowshoes. Food and water Plan your meals during the mountain outing and bring enough food and water to last you during the trip. Have extra provisions just in case you run out. Bring your med kit Sure, it’s an outing and you’re out there to have fun, but remember you’re in unfamiliar territory. Little accidents could occur, such as cuts, bumps, scratches and insect bites. Bring a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, adhesive bandages, insect repellant, antibiotic ointment and blister pads. You might also want to bring over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic over-the-counter drugs. For insect bites and allergies, bring anti-itch lotions and ointments. Gear up Bring the necessary tools and equipment you will need during the outing. Tents and camping gears, flashlights, blankets, matches, fuel, forks, knives, can openers and other things necessary to make your trip comfortable and safe should be packed up and stored in your bags. Don’t forget to bring your maps and guidebooks and make sure you can easily access them during the trip. Fill ‘er up Make sure your car has a full tank of gas before heading out. On your way to the mountains, check out the gas stations along the way and take note of the nearest station from the parking area once you’ve reached your destination. It’s also a good idea to have an extra gallon stashed in case of an emergency. Leave something behind Before leaving for your mountain outing, leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a friend. The itinerary should include where you’re going, what time you’re leaving, who the group members are and what time you expect to return. Appoint a leader It could be you or somebody else who has the essential navigation and climbing skills. Get at least two or more group leaders if you have a bigger group. This will help break down the number of people to a manageable level and will make it easy to track individuals to account for their presence or absence. Before the hike, the group leader/s should count how many participants or group members he has. If the trip is long, he should do this periodically during the hike and do the counting again once they’ve reached the camp or picnic ground. Plan for emergencies Have a sound emergency route in case you need to bail out. Make sure the group knows about this and are familiar with the necessary steps to make. Above all, plan a mountain outing based on safety. You will enjoy it more if you know that you have nothing to worry about during the outing and that you can go home safe and sound when it’s over

Mountains are a perennial favorite for group hikes and picnics because nowhere else can you be treated with spectacular views and exciting adventures. But with all their stunning beauty and potential for fun and enjoyment, mountains also pose hazards and dangers, many of which are hidden from view. To keep yourself safe and informed, here are some of them: Mountain terrain Unless you’re a seasoned climber or are an experienced mountaineer, mountain terrain can be very confusing. For the untrained eye, it can be extremely difficult to find your way in or out especially if there is nothing out of the ordinary to use as a landmark. For somebody who’s unfamiliar with mountain terrain, every tree, fallen branch, log, tree stump, patch of grass or shrub will look exactly the same, making it easy for you to lose your way. By itself, mountain terrain can be very hazardous. Rocks, caves and shrubs can hide dangerous wildlife and crevices can pose a danger to both life and limb. Avalanche and rock falls In some mountain areas, avalanches are controlled by mountain patrols so there’s little risk of starting an avalanche or being caught in one. However, if you stray too far from area boundaries, you could encounter an avalanche and be swept away. While avalanches can occur at any time of the year, they are more common during winter and spring, when the ice begins to melt. Rockfalls often occur when parts of the mountain are loosened during climbing. It can also occur after the melting of snow or an earthquake. Rockfalls are also common in rock mountains because of erosion. Sudden weather changes Weather conditions in the mountains can be very hazardous to hikers and campers because they can change rapidly. A bright, sunny day when you start out can turn dark and nasty in the middle of your hike or climb. Summits and mountain tops are especially prone to storms because these areas attract clouds. Sudden weather changes can also make hiking and moving more difficult and rain can cause mud patches and rocks to become slippery. During a snowstorm, whiteouts can make it extremely difficult for climbers to retrace their route. Without a compass, there is a danger of them getting lost. Lightning Lightning is a mountain hazard especially during summer thunderstorms. Lightning is attracted to the highest point on the ground and climbers near or at the top of the mountain have a high risk of getting struck. Sunburn This would probably be less of a problem if you are walking under a canopy of trees, but the risk of sunburn becomes real once you’ve reached higher elevations. Areas in the mountains with sparse trees and forest covering can expose you to ultraviolet light. Bodies of water Streams and rivers may look safe, but they can be deeper than they seem. They can also be very cold, even during the summer months. In case you fall into them, you might expose yourself to the risk of hypothermia. Streams and rivers may also flow swifter than you think. If you’re trying to cross and the water level reaches above your knees, there is a danger that you could get swept away. The depth and speed of the flow can also change quickly. After a rain storm or once the snow above the area begins to melt, a small stream can turn into a strong torrent of frigid water. Falling There is always a danger of a climber falling due to a faulty handhold or foothold. A wrong estimate of the rock’s stability or firmness can cause a fall, so it’s important to know whether a particular area can carry the climber’s weight to avoid accidents. Altitude Some climbers may develop altitude sickness, which usually happens when they ascend the mountain too fast. At higher points, there is less oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure, causing unpleasant sensations. Climbers who complain of nausea, lethargy, severe headache and body ache may be suffering from altitude sickness and need attention immediately. At heights above 1,500 meters, climbers usually experience acclimatization, which is why climbers who scale mountain heights of higher elevations pack bottled oxygen to help them cope. If not, problems like HACE (high altitude cerebral edema), HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) and AMS (acute mountain sickness) can occur and these can be life threatening. Mountain climbing is a very enjoyable sport or recreation, so it’s necessary to be aware of hazards that one may encounter during a mountain climbing trip. Be prepared, take safe routes and use common sense during a climb and never underestimate a mountain, no matter how familiar it has become to you.