Lions Bay Search and Rescue is encouraging everyone planning to hike or climb this weekend to carefully review the forecast before heading into the backcountry.
Environment and Climate Change Canada, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, has issued a Weather Notification warning of an increased potential for enhanced wildfire activity across southern British Columbia from Wednesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 18. The primary concerns are dry lightning, gusty thunderstorm winds, and continued hot, dry conditions that could lead to new wildfire starts and rapidly changing conditions.
While the current forecast for Lions Bay includes the possibility of showers later in the week, thunderstorms are expected to develop across southern B.C. Unfortunately, these storms may produce lightning with little rainfall, meaning the rain may not be enough to prevent new fires from starting. Strong outflow winds can also cause existing fires to spread quickly.
Thunderstorms are extremely dangerous in alpine terrain:
Thunderstorms are one of the most serious hazards mountain users can encounter.
Above treeline there are very few places to safely shelter, and exposed ridges, summits, and open rock make you significantly more vulnerable to lightning strikes. Lightning can strike many kilometres ahead of the rain, so if you can hear thunder, you are already within striking distance.
A lightning strike nearby can also generate a powerful electromagnetic pulse capable of disrupting or permanently damaging electronic devices such as cell phones, GPS units, satellite communicators, drones, and headlamps. Losing your navigation or communications in the backcountry can quickly turn an inconvenience into an emergency.
If you're caught in a thunderstorm:
• Turn around early. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, consider choosing a lower elevation objective.
• Descend immediately from summits, ridgelines, exposed rock, and open meadows.
• Avoid isolated trees, cliff edges, metal objects, and bodies of water.
• Spread your group out by 15–20 metres so a single strike is less likely to injure multiple people.
• If your hair begins standing on end, you hear buzzing or crackling, or your climbing gear starts humming, lightning may be about to strike. Descend immediately if possible.
• Stay sheltered until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Smoke and air quality:
Haze has already settled into the Sea to Sky corridor as wildfire smoke moves into the region.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can affect everyone, even healthy individuals. Exposure may lead to:
• Headaches
• Eye and throat irritation
• Coughing
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Shortness of breath
If you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, consider reducing strenuous outdoor activity if smoke conditions worsen.
Before heading into the backcountry:
Mountain weather can change quickly. Before leaving home:
• Check the latest forecast.
• Be prepared to change your plans if thunderstorms are expected.
• Carry extra water, warm clothing, and a reliable light source.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
• Follow all fire bans and never leave a campfire unattended.
Sometimes the safest decision is choosing a different objective or postponing your trip until conditions improve.
Report wildfires immediately:
If you see smoke or flames, report them immediately.
BC Wildfire Service
• 1-800-663-5555
• *5555 from a cell phone
• BC Wildfire Service Map
Early reporting gives firefighters the best chance to contain a fire while it is still small.
We hope everyone has a safe weekend in the mountains. By staying informed and making conservative decisions, we can all help reduce the risk to ourselves, other hikers, firefighters, and search and rescue volunteers.