There is a Small Margin for Error in the Winter

When we recreate in winter conditions, the margin for error gets much smaller. Any time of year that we travel in the backcountry we need to manage our basic human needs: core body temperature, water and food intake and safety. When it is cold, we need to be even more prepared to manage our core body temperature. This is where mistakes can quickly turn into critical or even deadly situations. 

When assessing risk, we assign a severity and likelihood level to different hazards that may be present on our trip. Cold weather increases the severity of multiple hazards. For example, if you get delayed for any reason, turn an ankle, take a wrong turn, etc, you can put yourself into an unexpected overnight situation. In mild weather conditions, spending a night in the woods will not kill you, even if you are unprepared. But in winter conditions, hypothermia can be deadly so we need to be able to maintain our core body temp through proper layering, and the ability to create shelter and ideally fire. 

Like we have talked about before, the bad decision spiral can turn one mistake into a series of bad decisions that leads to a dangerous situation.

There was a rescue that took place in NH this past week for hikers who were unprepared for winter weather. One of the things that stood out to me (other than them not bringing the right equipment) was that they started their 9 mile hike at 1 in the afternoon. This would leave only 3 hours of daylight. In our facebook group for students enrolled in the Prepared Hiker System, we did a breakdown of this rescue, if you would like to read more. 

Here is a link to the press release from NH Fish and Game detailing the rescue. 

Stay prepared and I’ll see you in the woods