MOUNTAIN SAFETY.

The constitution of the team is clear that we should educate and inform to help prevent accidents on the mountains.
To date we have produced three mountain safety leaflets and are currently working on a fourth which will deal with mountain trauma and its after effects.

STAY SAFE IN SNOWDONIA
  Some basic safety advice to help you enjoy the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia.

Snowdonia offers some of the finest walking and climbing to be found anywhere. But each year there are accidents which could be avoided.
Rescue teams are most often called because people are caught out by darkness, mist or injure themselves.
Make sure you enjoy the mountains by following this basic safety advice.

What to wear.
Be prepared for changes in the weather. In fine summer weather you may well set out lightly clothed but you should carry warm and waterproof clothing as the tops may well be cold, wet and windy by the time you get there.

In the Winter months a system of layers works best. A thermal or base layer is worn next to the skin. Over this, wear fleece garments with a waterproof layer on top.

Wear good walking boots with a deep tread. In addition to the clothes that you wear you should also carry spare clothing, hat and gloves.

Equipment.

*You should carry a map and compass and be able to use them.

*You should carry a torch with a spare battery.

*A whistle or mobile phone can be very useful for getting help in an emergency.

*In Winter- mountain boots, ice axes, crampons and torch are essential.

*The body uses more energy to keep warm in winter so carry a hot drink and plenty of high energy food.


Weather and Planning
The weather in Snowdonia can change very quickly. Conditions on the tops are often more severe than in the valleys.

Plan your route carefully taking account of the weather conditions and the ability of all members of your group.

Do not be over ambitious- allow one hour for every 4km (2.5 miles) and add one hour for every 500m (1,500 ft ) of ascent, with extra time for stops for rest and food.

.Set off in plenty of time to complete the walk in daylight. Snowdonia darkness is very very dark.


What to do in an emergency.
If you are delayed ( for example, you have descended into the wrong valley) inform your base or the police as quickly as possible so that the mountain rescue team is not called out unnecessarily.
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If you have to help a casualty first make sure you are safe. Give first aid if necessary; make sure breathing is unobstructed; dress wounds to prevent bleeding; keep casualty warm, sheltered and safe from further injury.

Get Help. Dial 999 and ask for North Wales Police Mountain Rescue. Give as many details as possible including a grid reference if known. If using a mobile keep switched on but save batteries.

If help arrives by helicopter secure all loose items, clothing, rucksacks etc. Do not approach the aircraft unless told to by the crew.

Safety Checklist.

*Wear suitable clothing
*Warm layers with a waterproof outer layer
*Boots with a good deep tread
*Hat, gloves and spare warm clothing
*Rucksack- to carry food, a warm drink, a torch and a map and compass.
*Use a weather forecast (0891 500449 )
*Leave details of your intended route and the time you expect to be back
*Know where you are and how to give a grid reference
*Know what to do in an emergency
*Keep together.

In Winter
*Wear winter weight boots
*Extra warm clothing essential
*Make sure you have enough time and daylight
*Carry extra food
*Carry an ice axe and crampons and know how to use them
*Carry a torch

Mountain Rescue.
Every year there are about 250 reported accidents in Snowdonia. This involves the mountain rescue teams in an enormous amount of difficult and dangerous work which they do voluntarily. They respond to genuine emergencies in all weathers, day and night.

Mountain rescue is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations. Your donation could help save a life.

 

 

SNOWDON: A KILLER IN DISGUISE
There are many dangerous areas on Snowdon, but these three are the winter blackspots.When snow lies on the mountain these slopes are extremely dangerous to the inexperienced. A simple slip can lead to a tragic slide of hundreds of metres.

Ice axes and crampons are essential equipment when crossing these slopes

1. Watkin Path:
The top part of the Watkin Path is extremely steep and descends a loose scree slope from a rock pinnacle which indicates its' start. When snow and ice cover the path this is potentially very dangerous.

2. Llanberis Path:
Both the Llanberis path and the mountain railway cross Clogwyn Coch. Notices on the railway line advise ill-prepared or ill-equipped walkers to avoid this location in winter.

3. Miners Path and PyG Tracks:
The Miners and PyG Tracks join above Glaslyn and follow a zig-zag path to Bwlch Glas. The slope is very steep and often has a large cornice on the lip of the cwm. A rock monolith marks the descent point at Bwlch Glas.

If you go into the Dragons Lair- take some armour'
It is important that you do not underestimate the weather on Snowdon. It is often warm and sunny in the car parks, but can easily be arctic conditions on the summit. Correct clothing and equipment coupled with the knowledge and skills to use them can make the difference between life and death.

Clothing:
The best system for mountain clothing is several layers.

Layer 1. The thermal or base layer keeps the body warm and moves sweat away from the skin.
Layer 2. The middle layer, normally made up of fleece garments.
Layer 3. The outer layer is the windproof and waterproof layer.


In addition to the clothing that you will wear you should also have plenty of spare clothes, hats and gloves.

A hot drink and plenty of food is essential. In Winter the body uses more energy to keep warm so take lots of high energy foods.

Boots, Ice axes, Crampons and torch are essential items for winter mountaineering and can be hired locally, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THE CORRECT USE OF THESE ITEMS.

In the event of an Emergency Dial 999 and ask for North Wales Police Mountain Rescue. If using a mobile keep switched on but save batteries.

For a weather forecast phone 0891 500449