PLANNING

Weather & Tide Planning

Build clear go/no-go rules, read patterns, and create buffers for alpine storms, desert heat, and coastal tides.

Forecast Stack

Use multiple sources: national models, local mountain forecasts, and on-the-ground ranger notes.

  • • Check timing of fronts, wind spikes, lightning risk
  • • Note freezing levels and dew point for condensation risk
  • • For coasts: tide charts, swell, and wind direction

Go / No-Go Framework

  • • Wind limits (alpine ridge: e.g., >40 mph = no-go)
  • • Lightning proximity (thunder within 30s = descend)
  • • Heat index (desert: >100°F midday = siesta)
  • • Tides (coastal: cross only within low-tide windows)
Set your contingencies →

Timing & Buffers

Start early for summits, pause midday in deserts, and time coastals to low tide. Add 25–40% buffer to estimates.

See coastal timing example →

Related Resources

Planning

Gear & Trails