Before you head up into the mountains on these late spring / early summer days remember to do those basic actions prior to leaving that will lead to a successful adventure.

First check the weather forecast to include the avalanche dangers. The NOAA website has a great 10 day forecast that can be used even with just map coordinates. Once there make a plan for how that weather will impact your trip.

Next check with your local avalanche forecast organization. Here in the PNW we use the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC). They will tell you everything from the levels of hazards to the directions of the hazards and potentials of avalanche dangers.

Then go through and check all of your gear and double check your packing list- sharpen your axes and crampons, change out the batteries on all of your devices, and inspect all of your soft goods and ropes. Make sure you are taking what you need and not too much- every ounce counts!

Once all of that is done then go through and practice all of your skills: knots, self arrest, team arrest, team walking, land navigation, first aid,… all of these things need to be refreshed once in a while and need to be fresh in your brain when you head up!

Everyone needs to take the time to prepare prior to stepping on the mountain- from those who’ve never done it to those who’ve done thousands of time- if we take this time then no matter the outcome of the summit trip it’ll always be a good one!