|NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS| Backpacker Magazine – October 2008
When a storm comes out of nowhere, learn how to handle the
unexpected. 3. Reading the weather WRONG: Ignore those clouds
building on the horizon–the summit is just an hour away! RIGHT:
Watch for thick, dark, anvil-shaped clouds. If bad weather seems
to be blowing in, stop and do a "pre-mortem": If a storm
obscures visibility, will you be able to find your way back
down? Will you be exposed to lightning? Keep track of warning
signs, such as dropping temperatures and increased winds, and
use them to convince summit-fevered partners to turn back. How
to spot a coming storm A. Altostratus: These high, gray clouds
often cover the entire sky and indicate prolonged rain or snow
is on the way. B. Nimbostratus: These low, thick, gray clouds
block most sunlight and usually bring steady, light- to medium-
intensity rain or snow. C. Cumulonimbus: These towering, anvil-
shaped clouds can produce lightning, snow, heavy rain, and hail.
4. Deciding to stay or go W