The Mountains are Inherently Unpredictable and Unforgiving

Warning: Mountain Climbing requires special training and gear and is inherently dangerous.  

We have Skilled and Experienced Youth and Adult Climbers in our Troop.  If a climb is considered, a good amount of training must be completed prior to a summit attempt and only a select few Scouts and Adults will be able to attend.

If you are considering a Climb, consider taking a climbing course and using a Guide Service for your big adventure.

Do NOT Attempt Mountain Climbing without Properly Training for it or without Experienced Guides!

Reading Weather On-Site

While in the mountains, you can predict approaching storms by reading atmospheric signs: 

• Cloud Formations

  • Lenticular clouds 

    • Lens-shaped clouds look like UFO around peak

    • aka “Hogs-back” in UK and New Zealand

    • Lenticular clouds hovering over peaks indicate powerful system is moving in

      • Strengthening winds and incoming moisture within 6 to 24 hours

  • Cirrus Clouds 

    • Cirrus clouds high in the atmosphere

    • Wispy and scattered

    • Can signal possible approach of fronts and low-pressure storm system

    • Seen alone - you are probably fine

    • Watch for presences or formation of other clouds 

      • Cirrostratus Clouds

        • Thickening of clouds

        • Continuous, thin, veil-like layer 

        • Often creates a halo effect around the sun or moon

        • Suggests front is getting closer

      • Altostratus/Nimbostratus Clouds

        • Lowering and Thickening blanket of clouds

        • Signals a drop in pressure and approaching precipitation

        • Can form over a day or two

        • Nimbostratus can block out the sun

        • Incoming moisture within 3 to 6 hours

  • Cumulous Clouds 

    • Large, white and puffy clouds like cotton balls

    • Can indicate fair weather

    • Cumulonimbus 

      • Cumulous Clouds can evolve into cumulonimbus clouds

      • Tall with many heads and bumps

      • Can bring hail, pouring rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning 

  • Cloud Cover

    • Sharp and defined cloud base - Not precipitating

    • Blurry, indistinct base suggest precipitation 

• Wind Changes

  • Terrain driven wind

    • Winds are funneled and/or blocked by valleys

    • May experience wind after hitting a ridgeline

    • Narrow valleys can turn into wind tunnels

  • Unusually warm temperatures in clear weather or a sudden increase in wind speeds generally signal an incoming storm front

• Barometric Pressure

  • The Barometric Pressure drops as you ascend

  • Drops in Barometric Pressure without ascension or greater than expected suggests approach of a low-pressure storm system

• Temperature Drops

  • Temperature cools as you ascend

    • Roughly 3.5°F to 5.5°F for every 1,000 feet

    • Roughly 1°C (about 1.8°F) for every 100 meters 

• Lower Altitude Weather

  • Moderately bad weather at low altitudes suggests worse weather higher up

  • Hope for best, but prepare for the worst