As we make our way back up the pass, the clouds begin to darken the sky. This gives the lakes a very different look.

The storm continues to chase us up the pass. Spending less time on photos, it is important for us to clear the pass in the event the clouds begin to generate lightning strikes. At the moment, all is quiet.

For those who have little outdoor experience, the following is a crash course on surviving a thunderstorm (assuming there is no man made building or car to jump into).

There are four mechanisms that cause injury during a lighting strike: (1) Direct strike, (2) splash, (3) step current, and (4) blunt trauma.

1. Direct strikes are most likely to take place in the open, especially if carrying metal or other objects above shoulder level. Shelter should be taken within the "cone of safety," described as a 45 degree angle down from a tall object or cliff face. Before a storm intensifies (before you hear thunder), every effort should be made to get down in elevation and into areas where tall objects can be used for protection. Sharp and pointed objects are more likely to be struck. Cliff edges are particularly dangerous places to stand during a storm. For example, the edge of the Grand Canyon is routinely struck during most lightning storms and many warning signs have been posted that suggest avoiding the area during a thunderstorm. It is important to use this to your advantage. If you can place yourself down low within the 45 degree cone of safety of something more than ten times your height, your chances of being struck directly are slightly reduced (Ya, slightly - life doesn't come with a money back guarantee). It is best to find a tree or object that towers more than 80ft over your head (taller is better) and keep more than 60 feet away, but within the cone. Abandon all metal objects including belt buckles, jewelry, watches, bra's and your pack far from where you plan to wait. Do not get too close to the tall objects you are using to provide the "cone." If struck the currents will likely leap across to surrounding objects (you) and the concussion alone can kill you. Squat as low as possible and close your eyes (yes, the lightning flash can blind you instantly). Keep your head down (lower than the curve of your back) to avoid being struck on the head.
   
2. Splash injuries are perhaps the most common method of lightning hit - the current strikes a tree or object and jumps to a person whose body has less resistance than the object the lightning initially struck. Splash injuries may occur from person to person when several people are standing close together. Party members should therefore spread out to maximize the chance that there will be survivors and thus rescuers.
   
3. Step current is also called stride voltage or ground current. The lightning current spreads out in a wave along the ground from the struck object, with the current strength decreasing as the radius from the strike increases. Step current can easily kill you within a sixty-foot radius of the strike. If the victim's feet are at different distances from the strike point, and the resistance in the ground greater than through his body, he will complete a circuit. This is not the most pain free way to receive a vasectomy; however, you're unlikely to survive the procedure anyway. Keep your feet and legs together while squatting down. Face directly away from the object being used to provide the cone. If you have a plastic garbage bag (often carried for emergencies), lay it beneath you and stand on it. The rubber soles of your hiking boots provide some insulation from ground currents, but unfortunately make no difference in reducing the likelihood of a direct strike. Do NOT lie on the ground! Avoid standing on rocks, concrete or in water. Avoid spark gaps, the gaps between rock over hangs and the ground (caves are ok).
   
4. Blunt trauma results from the force of the lightning strike, or the explosive shock wave that it produces. The victim may be forcibly knocked to the ground. Over 50% of victims will have their eardrums ruptured in one or both ears. This may result from direct thermal damage, the thunder shock wave, or even skull fractures from the blunt trauma. Barotrauma to the ears may be reduced by keeping the mouth open during times of great danger. This increases the likelihood that the pressure on each side of the eardrum will be near equal. Alternatively, covering the ears with the palms of your hands is another way to avoid ear damage.

If lightning strikes near your group, you should take immediate action to check the condition of all parties. Cardiopulmonary arrest is the most significant lightning injury. People who can scream from fright or pain after an electrical bolt has struck are already out of immediate danger. Their wounds may be dressed later. Those who appear dead must have immediate attention as they may be saved. Normally when dealing with mass causalities the wounded are cared for preferentially, while the dead are left alone. Not in this instance! The victim is highly unlikely to die unless cardiopulmonary arrest occurs. If cardiopulmonary arrest does happen, 75% will die unless CPR is performed. As the heart tends to restart itself due to its inherent ability (automaticity), the heartbeat may return spontaneously in a short time. The respiratory system, however, may be shut down for five to six hours before being able to resume its normal rhythm. Lack of oxygen will cause a person whose heart has restarted spontaneously to die. When administrating CPR, take precautions with the cervical spine as the explosion may have caused fractures of the neck and other portions of the body. While CPR is being performed, check for the pulse periodically. When the heart restarts, maintain ventilations for the patient until respirations also resume. Attempt to continue this as long as possible; a victim may be revived even after many hours with no neurological defects. After a lightning strike the victim's eyes may be fixed and dilated, respirations ceased, heart stopped, blood pressure 0/0 - all signs of clinical death. Pay no attention to these findings and administer CPR as long as physically possible.

See http://lightningtalks.com/LightningSafety.htm and http://lightningtalks.com/lightningfacts.htm for more unnerving lightning facts. According to NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), over the last 30 years there have been an average of 67 documented deaths per year due to lightning.