What about shrinkage? After writing about the 10 Wind hazards of winter mountaineering it occurred to me one important item was omitted from the list, namely …“shrinkage”. Now I know what you’re thinking. No. Not the Best of Seinfeld type of shrinkage. I’m referring to the fear factor, holy crap I’m scared out of my mind type of shrinkage.
Below are remedies that address wind hazards of winter mountaineering, including shrinkage.
Wind hazard #1: Swirling debris.
Remedy: Helmet and goggles. When ice and rocks fly horizontally, consider turning around.
Wind hazard #2: Snow transport, avalanche potential.
Remedy: Route plan before you head outdoors. Check weather/snow forecasts, current route conditions, and avalanche risks. Log route waypoints in your GPS receiver. Devise, one but preferably two alternate route plans.
Wind hazard #3: Reduced visibility, whiteout conditions.
Remedy: Goggles will shield your eyes from flying debris. In severe conditions, refer to your GPS and alternate route plans to complete the route or retreat to the trailhead.
Wind hazard #4: Muffled verbal communication.
Remedy: Clear climbing signals are crucial, especially on technical routes. Be certain about belay signals.
Wind hazard #5: Ropes fly up/out, tangle, freeze.
Remedy: In particular, frozen ropes make it difficult to give out slack, tie/untie knots, belay, and control rappels. Not much you can do about this in the field. Stay alert.
Wind hazard #6: Loose gear/clothing blows away.
Remedy: If you must remove gloves, stuff these down the front of your jacket. Fastened harness or backpack waistbands will prevent these from falling out.
Wind hazard #7: Frostnip, frostbite, hypothermia.
Remedy: Dress in layers. Protect your hands, feet, face and ears. Know the signs of cold injuries: frostnip/frostbite and hypothermia.
Wind hazard #8: Eyelashes freeze eyes shut.
Remedy: Sunglasses or goggles help mitigate this challenge.
Wind hazard #9: Liquids freeze, leading to dehydration.
Remedy: Choose a complete insulated hydration system where the mouthpiece, hose and reservoir are fully insulated. My favorite insulated hydration system is included in the Backcountry Access Alp 40 backpack.
Wind hazard #10: Food freezes, denying you calories.
Remedy: In winter months, I’ve ditched fancy wrapped snacks/bars, instead opting for handfuls of organic raw sprouted seeds and clumps of dried fruit, which I keep stashed within zipped pockets. This allows quick and easy access. Body warmth keeps the food thawed. My favorite seed mix is go raw Organic Spicy Seed Mix.
Winter hazard #11: Shrinkage, also known as fear factor or feeling overwhelmed in direct proportion to poor weather conditions.
Remedy: Refer to your alternate route plans or turn around and head for the love and warmth of home.
What are you up to this weekend? Have fun and be safe out there!
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