Sometimes these charges can leave welds on rock, called fulgurites. They particularly abound on tall peaks with plenty of local prominence--kind of like a lightning rod. I agree, such scary events leave the wrong impression on an invited guest. But you both survived and that is the main thing. Climb on!
Looked those up. They look awesome. I've been single since that incident but mountain wise I tried to come back as strong as I could (besides work and work problems making it hard to get out ha)
I've been in the same kind of electric charge and then narrowly missed by lightning moments after I left the area. You need to read up on what to do--On a rocky mountain, definitely don't "lie down" to make yourself a little lower--that just makes you more likely to be killed or permanently injured by ground currents if there is a strike. If you can't get away, you have to strive for a single point of contact to the ground--squatting with your feet together is good, with hands not touching any rock.
JoelSkok - Sep 18, 2015 8:32 pm - Voted 10/10
Electric charge?Sometimes these charges can leave welds on rock, called fulgurites. They particularly abound on tall peaks with plenty of local prominence--kind of like a lightning rod. I agree, such scary events leave the wrong impression on an invited guest. But you both survived and that is the main thing. Climb on!
xDoogiex - Sep 18, 2015 11:30 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Electric charge?Looked those up. They look awesome. I've been single since that incident but mountain wise I tried to come back as strong as I could (besides work and work problems making it hard to get out ha)
chugach mtn boy - Sep 19, 2015 11:06 am - Hasn't voted
Narrowly missedI've been in the same kind of electric charge and then narrowly missed by lightning moments after I left the area. You need to read up on what to do--On a rocky mountain, definitely don't "lie down" to make yourself a little lower--that just makes you more likely to be killed or permanently injured by ground currents if there is a strike. If you can't get away, you have to strive for a single point of contact to the ground--squatting with your feet together is good, with hands not touching any rock.
xDoogiex - Sep 19, 2015 12:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Narrowly missedThanks for the info. I've always been very good about staying away from lightning danger. That climb took wayyyyy longer then expected