Wrap up now in the Cairngorms, warn mountaineers
Once frostbitten twice shy! The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has issued a health warning to those planning to tread the Cairngorms.
Flooding and gale force last week and sleet predicted for next week have prompted a reminder to hill walkers that they should dress for the weather and not for the date.
On Tuesday the MCoS warned: “It may still be August but hypothermia is a real risk if people are not properly prepared.”
Temporary Mountain Safety Adviser David ‘Monty’ Monteith advised: “Sleet has been forecast for the higher hills in the coming week, and we’ve just seen torrential rain which swept away two bridges in the Cairngorms and made many streams impassable for a period, as well as causing landslips and damage to footpaths.
“Wind and rain are the classic combination for bringing on hypothermia. Once someone’s clothes are wet through the wind can have a tremendous chilling effect, even though the air temperature is not that low in itself.”
Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), normal body temperature being around 37°C (98.6°F). Hypothermia can quickly become life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency. More information can be found on the McofS website at http://www.mcofs.org.uk/hypothermia.asp
Anyone planning a day in the mountains should make sure they check the weather forecast, with excellent mountain-specific forecasts available from MWIS and the Met Office. There is also the BBC outdoors forecast on BBC Radio Scotland at weekends.
Monty added: “Walkers should also consider a simpler, low level route option or plan a viable escape route if they are aiming to go high. The provision of a bivouac bag, group shelter and some modern lightweight insulating clothing can be a lifesaver if things do go wrong. Add to this some first aid knowledge and the ability to convey an emergency message http://www.mcofs.org.uk/emergency-procedures-card.asp and preparations are in good order.
“The medium-term weather forecast is for some respite in the wet and cold weather but this will only be temporary. The nights are now drawing in and next month sees the autumnal equinox, after which the number of daylight hours shrinks noticeably. Make sure you don’t shrink from responsible preparations for your mountain journeys.”
