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Hiking is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air. There are plenty of places where you can hike in the U.S., from national parks to state forests. But before you head off on your next adventure, you should know how windy is too windy to hike, at your destination. This information can help you decide whether it’s safe to hike or not.
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How To Check For High Winds
The National Weather Service (NWS) has a website that will give you an idea of what kind of winds you might encounter while hiking.
The site includes a map showing wind gust speeds for different parts of the country. You can also enter your zip code to find the forecast for your area. It is often measured using the Beaufort Scale.
What Is The Beaufort Scale?
The Beaufort Scale is a standardized measurement of wind speeds. Instead of relying on descriptions that can vary from person to person, it uses quantifiable numbers, instead.
The scale ranges from 0 to 12, with a zero indicating calm conditions. Any conditions given a six or above are considered strong.
A high wind warning means there could be dangerous weather conditions within 24 hours, and too windy to hike. If you are caught in these conditions, seek shelter immediately.
How To Prepare For Potential High Winds
Hiking is a great way for people to experience the beauty of their surroundings. But sometimes, the weather gets in the way.
Whether you’re going on a short jaunt or a multi-day trek, here are some hiking safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Be prepared.
- Always carry a cell phone, even if you don’t think you need it. Even better, bring a safety locator beacon.
- Make sure everyone knows where you are going and when they should expect you to return.
- Carry a hiking backpack: Pack extra clothes. It may be tempting to just wear shorts and a T-shirt when you go hiking, but this isn’t always a good idea.
- Leave early.
- Stay away from open areas where lightning may strike.
- Avoid crossing bodies of water.
- Always carry a backpacking flashlight, so you can spot potential hazards.
- Carry some extra food and water
What Wind Speed Is Dangerous For Hiking?
According to the NWS, wind speeds between 40 and 60 miles per hour are too much for most hikers. Too windy to hike at these speeds. These are level 7 and above on the Beaufort Scale. These winds can cause sudden changes in temperature, which is why it’s important to dress appropriately when hiking in hot weather and carry essential emergency gear to stay safe on the trail.
Even lower wind speeds of around 25 (Beaufort level 6) can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention, and they will make your hike much tougher.
What Are The Dangers Of Hiking in High Winds?
High winds pose several dangers to hikers.
Difficult To Hike
High winds can make every step you take more difficult, as you will be consistently fighting against the force of the wind.
They can also knock you off balance and cause you to lose your footing. This is possible in even lighter wind conditions if you are caught off-guard.
Flying Debris
Strong winds can blow debris, such as rocks and branches, into your path. This debris might even hit you directly, which can cause serious injuries.
Fire Season
In certain areas, like Southern California, warm weather and strong winds is often known as “fire season”. Campfire cooking or anything that can create a spark causes fast moving fires as they move up hillsides or spread through the wilderness. Pay attention to the warnings by park rangers as it can be difficult to get rescued during fire season.
Whiteout
Winds can also create whiteout conditions, making it difficult to see anything more than 10 feet ahead. This makes it hard to avoid obstacles like fallen trees or cliffs.
Hypothermia
High winds can also reduce the temperature and make it colder than it seems due to the wind chill factor. This can lead to your body temperature becoming too low and hypothermia occurring.
Frostbite
In extreme cases, a drop in temperature can lead to frostbite.
This condition occurs when your body tissue freezes and is commonly seen on extremities such as fingers, toes, and ears. In the worst cases, it can lead to the tissue dying and needing to be amputated.
Bring a warm insulated softshell jacket and insulated hiking gloves should there be sudden drops in temperatures.
When To Seek Shelter From High Winds
It’s never a bad time to take shelter from the elements. If you feel uncomfortable, you should find a place to stay until the storm passes.
It is too windy to hike if your gut instinct sets off alarm bells. Also, if you see debris, dust storms or trees falling, seek shelter too! You want to avoid getting stranded by taking cover before the worst happens.
The National Weather Service recommends seeking shelter at least one mile from the nearest road. That way, you won’t get hit by passing traffic.
Related reading: 13 Cheapest Camper Trailers Under $10,000
Final Thoughts
Hiking is a fun way to get some exercise and experience nature. However, hiking in strong winds is very dangerous and can lead to serious injury, so make sure that you plan ahead and prepare.
If you feel that the wind is becoming too strong when you hike, find shelter as soon as possible. With the information and safety tips in this article, you should be able to enjoy your hikes safely.
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