Tahoe Rim Trail. Tim Hauserman
than any other major city in the United States.
The Wind, It Doth Blow
Winter winds create huge snowdrifts that resemble desert sand dunes. What does this mean to a hiker? There are areas where these winter dunes take longer to melt (most commonly on the lee side of ridgetops where cornices form) than other snow-packed areas do. These cornices can last well into the summer, while all around them wildflowers grow.
Winter Wonderland
The winter landscape of the Sierra Nevada is both serene and pristine, with a beauty that you rarely find in the summer. In the winter, a soft white blanket covers the world with cold sparkles reflecting the blue sky. Walking or skiing through new fallen snow, you will find the rarest of gifts—peace and true quiet. In addition to the heavy snowfall in winter, you will also have some sunny winter days that provide wonderful opportunities to get out and enjoy all that deep white powder.
Although many people prefer to enjoy the mountains and woods in winter, it can be a more challenging and dangerous time. Unpredictable weather, unsigned trails, and other snow-related hazards are among the risk factors with which you should become familiar. Observe the weather and snow conditions. If the weather is getting bad, be smart, turn around and get out. Continually check your surroundings, observe familiar peaks, creeks, and other landmarks that will allow you to get back to your starting point if you are in a blizzard. Some of the most powerful blizzards can quickly become life-threatening. If you learn about mountain winter conditions and take a few simple precautions, much of the trail and areas in the Lake Tahoe area are great for winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Land Without Visible Trails
The fact that the Tahoe Rim Trail is not signed for winter creates challenges for even the most experienced traveler. Many popular winter spots may have tracks from the people who were there before you, but there are no real trails. You must follow landforms and head for saddles, mountaintops, or flats. Often, you may be heading in a general direction instead of to an exact spot. Know where you are and where you have been, and don’t hesitate to follow your own tracks back out to where you began. It becomes even more important to have a map and follow it. Learn how to use a compass.
Dehydration
Drinking too little water is another serious risk when you are hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. With all that snow around, you still need to remember to drink. When the weather is colder, people tend to drink less even though they may actually need as much water as they would on a hot day. While you are at it, eat. You’ll need the energy.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
When the body’s core temperature is seriously reduced as a result of exposure to cold and moisture, hypothermia can result. It is a serious condition, aggravated by cold wind and sudden climate changes. The symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, loss of coordination and the ability to do simple tasks, and disorientation and confusion. The treatment is based on common sense. First, get the victim out of the wind and elements. Prevent heat loss by getting the victim into warm, dry clothes (you should be carrying extra clothing in your pack). Get the victim into a sleeping bag, if you have one, and climb in to add your body heat (although, be careful as this approach may lower your own body temperature). Give the victim warm liquids and high carbohydrate foods.
Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues because of prolonged exposure to cold. The most susceptible areas to frostbite are the feet, hands, ears, and face. Prevention is key for both hypothermia and frostbite. Remember a few simple rules: Eat high-energy foods and drink plenty of liquids. Stay rested. Wear the right clothing and bring layers. Don’t do something that will get you wet, and get out of the woods if you do get wet on a cold and windy day. Bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet.
Avalanches
Understanding how avalanches occur and how to avoid them is too big a topic for this book, but a few words of warning can help you avoid a tragedy. Remember that you are most vulnerable to an avalanche when you are on moderately steep slopes (very steep slopes may not hold enough snow to avalanche), the lee side of mountains, or in gullies. Unstable snow conditions most often occur during or right after a storm; the bigger the storm, the bigger the risk. If you plan to do a lot of backcountry travel, take a Level One Avalanche Course, which will teach you how to determine avalanche risk, and how to work with beacons and probes to rescue those who have been caught in an avalanche. For more information or to obtain an updated avalanche danger report go to www.avalanche.org or www.sierraavalanchecenter.org.
Sunburn
The bright sun makes the snow even more beautiful and white. At the end of the day you have beautiful memories and one heck of a case of sunburn. Snow reflects the sun’s rays like water and can burn your skin quickly. Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Guided Winter Hikes
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association runs a program of guided snowshoe hikes during the winter months. Past trips have included full moon jaunts in Tahoe Meadows and daytime hikes into Page Meadows. For more information go to www.tahoerimtrail.org.
Packing and Dressing for Winter Weather
Aside from sunblock, be sure to carry a basic survival kit. Your kit should include the following items:
Two large plastic garbage bags (to be used as a poncho or emergency shelter in bad weather)
Waterproof matches
Candle
Metal cup for melting snow
Duct tape for repairs (can be wrapped around a ski pole)
Cocoa or other powdered mix
Cell phone (but don’t count on using it)
You have three goals when it comes to clothing yourself for outdoor winter adventures: keep dry, keep warm, and keep cool. To accomplish these goals, wear or