Watch the Weather
Walking in a winter wonderland...safely!
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Before you leave home, check the day's forecast. If rain or
wet snow is a possibility, consider calling off the trip. Even
the best rain gear won't keep its wearer entirely dry. Wet
combined with cold spells real danger. If you're on the trail in
chilly weather and rain clouds gather, or if a steady drizzle
starts, turn around.
Exercise similar respect for wind. The temperature may be a
balmy 40°F, but a mere 10 mph wind can effectively turn that 40
degrees into a frigid 28 degrees on exposed skin.
Keep your trips short
In winter, and especially in snow, everything takes longer.
A foot of snow can more than double the time and energy it takes
to hike a given distance. Add kids and a few of winter's
distractions — animal tracks, snowball fights, icicles, etc. — and
you may as well double the time again. A tired child (or adult)
loses body heat faster and can become hypothermic more easily.
Also, if someone becomes injured or ill or overly chilled,
or if unexpected harsh weather breaks, you won't want to be more
than an hour's walk to help and shelter. This holds true for
bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers, too. Never assume
that the transportation that carries you into the winter
landscape will be functioning long enough to carry you out.
Always measure your emergency return path in leg miles.
Follow the trail
Easier said than done when the trail is obscured by leaves
or snow. Keep an extra-careful eye out in cold weather for trail
signs and blazes. Carry a map and compass and know how to use
them. Winter is the worst of times to wander from the trail.
Always bring matches or a lighter
Better yet, put a full-blown commercial survival kit in your
day pack just in case. But never leave home without at least a
flame source for starting an emergency fire. A few paraffin-
soaked firestarter sticks, such as those sold for charcoal
grills, can be a big help too.
Use extra caution around water
In cold air, even a single soaked foot or pant leg from an
accidental plunge at a small stream or creek crossing can be
trouble. Don't assume that ice is thick enough to walk on. Don't
assume that stepping stones aren't slick or won't shift. Don't
assume that little legs will be able to jump all the way across
the creek.
Remember, water conducts heat away from the body 25 times
faster than air. This makes a good case for carrying spare socks,
at the least. If you can't replace soaked shoes or clothing with
dry, head for home.
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Article © Terry Krautwurst
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