Reading weather on the ridge

Mountain weather is not unpredictable. It is predictable in the wrong order — you get the sign before the forecast.

1. Cloud sitting on the far ridge

Cloud that holds position on one ridge while the rest of the valley is clear usually means wind is pushing it up that slope. In our experience you have two to three hours before it reaches you.

2. Wind shifting ninety degrees

A steady westerly is normal and fine. A sudden swing to the north or east, especially with a drop in temperature, is the front arriving early. That is when we shorten the day rather than the lunch.

3. The sound of the creek changing

If a creek gets louder without rain where you are standing, it is raining upstream. On the ridge that is our cue to leave the exposed section while the ground is still easy.

Turning around is a skill

Guests sometimes read a turned-back trip as a failure. It is the opposite: the summit is not the product, the day is. In nine seasons we have cancelled or shortened four ridge days, and nobody has ever asked for their money back afterwards.