Weekend Plan Alterations should be considered with Excessive Heat Warning Covering the Sierra
Sierra Nevada, July 13, 2023 – The National weather service has issued a Severe and Excessive heat warning for this weekend. Places such as Death Valley are expected to reach up towards 126 Degrees on Saturday and traditional cool down locations like Lake Tahoe are expected to run with High temperatures of 95-105 degrees with the American Century Golf Tournament in South Lake Tahoe.
With Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories across the Sierra Nevada, weekend plans should be considered. Knowing how to prepare for excessive temperatures while hiking or driving in the mountains can make a world of difference to your safety. For Fans visiting the Golf course in Tahoe this weekend shade will not provide as much relief, water consumption will be a priority and finding opportunities to cool your body temperature recommended.
It is recommended that if you have plans outside this weekend that you have alternate plans if the heat becomes to much or your plans change because of heat symptoms. If you were planning on climbing Tallac this weekend, it might be better idea to find a lower trail and enjoy Lake Tahoe for example. In Yosemite National Park the temperatures are expected to hit 99-105 degrees this weekend, so a hike up Yosemite Fall or Snow Creek after 10 am might be a very dangerous attempt and it would be better to stroll out to Mirror lake or head to one of the Large Sequoia groves this weekend. Also in Yosemite with the reported long waits in your car that are being experienced in Yosemite this summer after 9am expect to have excessive heat in your car while you wait patiently to see your favorite Yosemite features.
Hiking in Extreme Heat
Obviously know one should be hiking in Death Valley if it is 126 degrees outside, but what if you have Backpacking permits for Desolation wilderness or Yosemite this week? Staying cool and hydrated is mandatory for a safe visit. Follow some basic tips for this weekend for dealing with the heat, especially when walking over the Sierra granite.
Slow down: Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Make certain you are on the trail Early so you can reach your destination before the hottest parts of the day. In the Sierra the Hottest time of Day is traditionally 2pm-5pm, Avoid hiking or strenueos activity at this time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health concerns should stay in the coolest available place.
Protect your Pets – Pets should be protected from the hot surfaces of the Sierra granite. they get dehydrated just as quickly as we humans do and the Hot granite on their bare paws will blister quickly. Bring your pet plenty of water. And DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR.
Dress for summer: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat. Remember if hiking a loose fitting long sleeve shirt could actually benefit you when hiking in hot days. Sunburns are your enemy when hiking in hat weather.
Eat light: Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather. Remember your Body will be loosing Salt quickly in sweat, replace with Salty nuts or Electrolytes often in excessive heat.Salty snacks replace the electrolytes your body loses when you sweat. This is especially important when you are recreating in the heat which increases how much you sweat.
Drink plenty of water (not very cold): Focus on non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Remember if you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.
Find shade and Rest Often: Take frequent breaks to give your body a rest. Rest under shade whenever possible to help your body cool off.
Get Wet: Soak a towel or a shirt in water to keep you cool. If water is available, consider completely soaking yourself to keep cool. The water can cool off your body and lessen the effects of heat. Dip your hat in the Snowmelt waters of the Sierra and let the cool water drip over the shoulders, is a nice way to cool the body temperature. Do remember however in July 2023, river levels are dangerous at this time, so use caution around all streams and rivers in the Sierra this weekend. Many parks have rivers or lakes that might look like an inviting place to cool down, but in reality are very dangerous. Many of these water bodies are very deceptive: the shoreline may have slippery rocks, and there may be strong currents and cold water temperatures that could lead to injury or death.
Try to Find a Tree or Rock to place your Tent by that can give you a little shade. Summer heat in the Sierra Granite is extreme, your tent will provide some sun block but becomes hot as well.
TURN Back: This weekend you should have a clear plan of when it is time to just Turn back: Stop and turn around if it gets too hot during your activity. You can always put your backup plan into action and have a wonderful experience in the mountain in the shade.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Participating in strenuous physical activities, such as hiking or biking, in hot weather can make it difficult for your body to cool off, especially you aren’t used to performing the exercise at an extreme temperature, and the elevation of the Sierra Nevada increase likely hood of dehydration and sunburn.
Adventure with friends this weekend if you are going out, so you can watch for Heat related illness signs and provide help if warranted.
