Backcountry Lightning Risk Management

Do you know the best position to be in if you are caught in a thunderstorm in the backcountry?

Do you know the best location to choose?

Do you understand how lightning strikes?

Do you know the components of a lightning strike, and which is most likely to injure you?

These and other important to know subjects are covered in an excellent paper available at www.wildlandfire.com/docs/2011/safe/att4ytcl.pdf .

Everyone who works or recreates in the backcountry should read this!

Great info. Thanks.

It explained to me how stupid I have been to sit/stand under the patio roof and watch lightning a mile or so away :VeryScared: :yikes:

This is a great concise guide for lightning safety and understanding! I obtained some extra tips from reading the entire article, especially when it comes to caves and lightning strikes. Anyone who spends time outdoors should read it all! Please, don't be too proud and jump the paragraphs. Unless you are a lightning expert, you will learn or be reminded of strike prevention and risks.

jf1acai wrote: It explained to me how stupid I have been to sit/stand under the patio roof and watch lightning a mile or so away :VeryScared: :yikes:

I find observing electrical storms fascinating from my home as well. I would go outside (on a roofed deck that gives a false sense of security) to observe. I could feel the "Corona" (no, not the beer) in the atmosphere. Like in the article you so kindly provided quotes "...you might smell ozone, one of the chemical products of point discharge in air. Ozone has an irritating, acrid 'swimming pool' smell." and I've experienced that and moved inside.
There are many hazards in the Rocky Mountains, yet personally I have high concern for lightning storms and strike prevention.
Thank you jf1acai! This beats my older post here on lightning! mymountaintown.com/forum/92-outdoor-colo...ing-above-timberline
BTW jf1- you were not stupid. You just became a potential "subjective hazard" for observing outside. I've been there myself. Thanks again! Knowledge is wonderful!