Stay Safe During a Lightning Storm in the Mountains

Mountainous regions can experience highly unpredictable weather. One minute you’re watching some innocuous clouds roll in dramatically through a pass, the surrounding peaks slicing through the gray, and the next you’re enveloped in a tumult of rain, wind and thunder.

These storms can turn a beautiful day above the tree line into a nightmare. You’re suddenly exposed, with no shelter to take cover and you’re miles from your car or the nearest hut. You may notice your hair standing on end and feel a “buzz” emanating from the rocks around you. This is bad news: you’re experiencing the air’s electrical charge just before lightning strikes.

Apart from learning to avoid a storm in the first place, you can take several steps to stay safe in one.

The best rule of thumb is to stay low — and don’t get in your tent, which will not keep you safe. Wild Backpacker says, “Look for a dry, low-lying area such as a valley and become the smallest target possible. Do this by crouching down with your heels touching, head between the knees and ears covered. Minimize your contact with the ground and do not lie down flat.”

Avoid talus slopes, but if you don’t have time to get off one, “Try to find the lowest spot you can, and stay away from taller rocks. Rocks can attract lightning same as anything; if there’s an appealing shelter under a rock, make sure it’s not very tall,” according to Backcountry.com.

When you’ve found a relatively safe spot, spread out about 20 feet from your hiking buddies and stand on your foam sleeping pad if you have one. Bring your feet close together and crouch or squat. Keep your shoes on. If you feel you are about to be struck, minimize contact with the ground by crouching on the balls of your feet. Hold your breath so you don’t take in the supercharged air. A good rule of thumb is to wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap to safely resume hiking.