Shelter Triggers
Go to a shelter if ANY ONE is true:
1. Wind + Cold
- Temps below ~25°F
- Sustained wind 15+ mph or gusts 20+ mph
- Exposed ridge or saddle
- You feel cold before stopping
2. Freezing Rain or Heavy Wet Snow
Automatic shelter night. No debate.
3. Ground Conditions
- Solid ice
- Snow too deep to anchor
- No flat or drained tent sites
4. Wet and Can’t Dry Before Dark
- Damp clothing + temps dropping
- No sun left
- Hands losing dexterity
5. Mental/Physical Exhaustion
- Foggy thinking
- Irritation during setup
- Skipping food or water steps
Winter Decision Scoring
Score 3+ → Shelter. Score 2 → Consider. Score 0-1 → Tent OK.
| Condition | Points |
|---|---|
| Temp below 25°F | +1 |
| Sustained wind 15+ mph | +1 |
| Wet clothes at day’s end | +1 |
| Freezing rain / ice forecast | +2 |
| Ground unfit for tent | +1 |
| Mental / physical exhaustion | +1 |
NOT a shelter trigger:
- Cold but dry and calm
- Tired but functional
- Others are staying there
- Convenience