Temperature

Temperature is a huge factor that must be considered when planning a hike as it strongly determines which clothing items are most appropriate. The basic rule of thumb is to dress in layers with a base-layer, then a mid-layer (insulating layer), and lastly an outer shell (wind-breaking and waterproof jackets are ideal). The amount of layering and thickness of each layer will depend on the temperature. Layering is especially important for winter treks and sometimes may not even be necessary for the summer. However, you should always be prepared for any unanticipated changes in the weather. Click hereLinks to an external site. for more information on the best clothing options and fabric choices for your hike!

Here are some hazards associated with extreme temperatures that hikers should be aware of and plan to prevent.

In Cold Temperatures:

• • • Windchill is what the temperature feels like with the effects of wind, and can be a lot colder than the temperature reported in the forecast.
    • Frostnip/frostbite
    • Hypothermia

In Hot Temperatures:

• • • Heatstroke is a form of hyperthermia and occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This is a very common condition in the summer.
    • Dehydration 
    • Sunburns are most common in the summer, but can also happen in the winter as the snow can strongly reflect sunlight.

Visibility

While hiking in the wilderness, the ability to see your surroundings is crucial for your safety. Reduced visibility will significantly increase the likelihood of injury or even getting lost. Sunrise and sunset times are very different throughout the year, and it is important to know at which point in your hike will you have maximum and minimum visibility. Sunrise and sunset hikes are absolutely amazing because you get a beautiful view from the top of the mountain. However, you’ll have reduced visibility when climbing up the mountain for a sunrise hike, and when climbing down the mountain for a sunset hike.

Other weather-related factors that affect visibility include:

• Fog is hazardous as it reduces visibility, causing groups to be easily separated.  It is important to stick together and stay on-trail. There are numerous types of fog:
  • Valley fog - radiation fog that forms at the bottom of the valley
  • Marine fog - a combination of radiation and advection fog that moves in from the ocean
  • Freezing fog - valley fog that forms at temperatures below freezing that can freeze equipment, clothes, hair, etc.

Source:  Mountain Photo Tours | URL: https://www.mountainphototours.ca/2019/02/13/weather-in-banff-canmore-the-canadian-rockies/Links to an external site. | Retrieved: June 16, 2019

• Blowing Snow is dangerous because it impairs visibility. Strong winds can do this by blowing falling snow or accumulated snow on the ground. Blowing snow can also be an indicator of a blizzard.

Extreme Weather

In the Winter:

• Avalanches are masses of snow that move rapidly down a mountain. They are extremely dangerous as it can knock you off your feet or even bury you. Avalanches can occur due to the failure of weak layers and can also be triggered by humans. It is important to check for avalanche warnings when planning a hike. This can be done hereLinks to an external site..

        There are two main types of avalanches:

• • Sluff
    • Made of loose snow
    • Likely to knock you off your feet
    • Not likely to bury you
  •  
  • Source: Avalanche Basics | URL: http://avalanche.btck.co.uk/AvalancheBasics/LooseWetLinks to an external site. | Retrieved: June 16, 2019
  • Slab
    • Made of cohesive blocks
    • Likely to knock you off your feet
    • Likely to bury you

Source: POWER The Skier's Magazine | URL: https://www.powder.com/stories/the-safe-zone/backcountry-essentials-wet-slides/Links to an external site. | Retrieved: June 16, 2019

• Snow Storms involve low temperatures, strong winds, and a variety of precipitation such as rain, snow, and sleet. 

In the Summer:

• Thunderstorms are very undesirable for hikes. They can be dangerous and are associated with numerous weather conditions, such as:
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Hail
  • Tornadoes
  • Lightning and precipitation static
• Forest Fires are very common in the summer, especially in British Columbia. Wind blowing towards the East brings the smoke along with it, causing the sky to look very hazy. This not only reduces visibility, but it also can be very damaging to our lungs when inhaled.

Source: UBC News | URL: https://news.ubc.ca/2018/08/15/ubc-experts-available-to-comment-on-wildfires/ | Retrieved: June 16, 2019