WEATHER
As diverse as the mountains themselves are the environments they produce. Mountains make weather: they create localized and stratified climates. Climate change due to altitude is an obvious factor, but the mountain landscape also creates endless variations in climate and weather conditions, known as microclimates. You can observe this variety when you move from a dry, sunny south-facing slope to a damp, shady, north-facing one, from a still, misty canyon to high windswept ridges, or from a steep, well-drained mountainside to a flat, flooded plain.
The Columbia Mountains are rain-catching mountains producing lush forests, heavy winter snow, and hot and sunny summers. However, as in all mountain areas, the weather is extremely changeable, and sunny days can turn to raging storms in seeming instants. The mountain hiker is well advised to be prepared for inclement while exploring the WK. The weather in the Columbia Mountains, both good and bad, can last for many days, and sometimes weeks. Regardless of the forecast, always be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, falling temperatures, sleet or hail. Carry rain gear – I always also carry an umbrella. If camping, have a waterproof tent with a waterproof fly, and a small sponge to dry the tent floor. June tends to be the wettest.
Likewise, prepare for hot summer days. The West Kootenay lie in a temperate rainforest, but summers tend to be hot and dry. Fall can be an ideal time to hike as bugs are absent, and larch trees turn golden.
Wet Rock. All experienced mountaineers are familiar with problems of wet or loose rock, but little attention has been paid to the causes of the slipperiness of rock, save for the presence of an ice coating or snow. Lichen-covered rocks can be almost as dangerous as ice-covered ones. Climbers should beware of slippery lichen (when wet, as with melting snow) on rocks. The black lichen on sandstone and quartzite is especially treacherous. Dipping beds of shale, slate, and siltstone, also can be coated with this black lichen. Limestone is generally free of lichen but is often interbedded with shale and slate. The latter weathers to mud, which is also slippery.
LIGHTNING
Exposure to lightning is more common on high ridges, open meadows and peaks. A direct lightning strike can kill you by causing brain damage, heart attacks or third-degree burns. Ground current from a nearby strike can severely injure you, causing deep burns and tissue damage.
To avoid a direct strike, get off exposed ridges and peaks. Even a few metres off a ridge is better than right on top. Avoid isolated, tall trees. A clump of small trees or an opening in the trees is safer.
To avoid ground current, stay off crevices, lichen patches, or wet, solid rock surfaces, and away from gullies with streams in them. Loose rock, like talus, is safer.
Crouch near a high point at least 10 metres higher than you. Sit in the low-risk area near the base of the high point, at least 1.5 metres from cliffs or walls. If your hair is standing on end, there’s electricity in the air and get out of there. That’s usually down the mountain. Once you choose a place to wait it out,, squat with your feet close together. Keep your hands and arms away from rocks to stop the charge from flowing through your body. Stay at least 10 metres from companions, so if one is hit, another can give cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
