Safety in Winter Camping

Fri 12/21/12:

“Is it considered post-holing if we are wearing snowshoes?” I ask Matt as we climb back to the road on Friday morning.  Despite snowshoes, we still sink some 10” into the snow.  When we reach the car, it looks like this: 

22” of snow fell over the course of 30 hours and it continued to pile up as we shoveled a new path to the road.  It took me an hour to dig out the car.  

When Matt and I returned home, we learned that his coworkers expected us get stranded out there.  I don’t think they realized the careful thought we put into our trip.   

Here’s what we did to ensure that we wouldn’t get stranded:

1.       We packed extra clothes in the car.  Like redundant amounts of clothes, especially dry mittens.  Know that having to walk to civilization is a possibility.  Dress warm.

2.       Find out which roads they plow and which they don’t.  Stay close to the ones they do, it might be passable when you park, but it may not be the same when you try to leave. 

3.       Bring a shovel.  Be prepared to use it.  A lot.

4.       Tell people where you are going and when you plan to return, preferably the first person you plan to see upon your return.  We left our plan with the guy Matt was scheduled to work with on Friday night.  If you are visiting in a national forest or park, it might be a good idea to leave a plan with them too.  Then they won’t have to wonder about your abandoned car buried in the snow.  They’ll also be able to tell you about potential local hazards you haven’t considered.

5.       If you aren’t confident in your route finding abilities, stick to trails that are very easy to follow under heavy snow cover, such as fire roads or those along a river or creek.

6.       Everything is slower in the snow, whether you are driving or hiking.  Build a time buffer to accommodate that.  Even main highways can close with intense winter storms.  Know which highways close often or frequently require chains. 

Had to chain up over Oregon Mtn. near Weaverville.

7.       This is not the time to venture out of your comfort zone.  Listen to your gut.

I think this is my favorite photo. :)

And most importantly, have fun! :)  Can you think of any other tips?