← Field Guide Quick Reference

Weather Warning Signs

Visual Warnings

  • Dark clouds moving quickly (especially low/rolling)
  • Clouds dropping into ridges or saddles
  • White haze on ridgelines
  • Sudden visibility loss
  • Fast temperature drop

Wind Warnings

  • Sudden direction change
  • Rapid speed increase
  • Funneling through gaps/saddles

Sound & Sensory

  • Any thunder (even distant)
  • Metallic or sharp smell
  • Tingling, buzzing, hair standing up

→ Lightning protocol immediately. Get off ridges and summits.


2-Out-of-5 Rule

If ANY TWO occur, act conservatively:

  1. Pressure dropping (watch elevation drift)
  2. Wind increasing or shifting
  3. Clouds thickening or lowering
  4. Garmin forecast worsens
  5. Sudden temperature drop

Pressure Reading (Stationary Only)

Elevation DriftMeaning
±3-5 ft, settlesStable
Drops 10-20 ft over 3-6 hrsWeather in 12-24 hrs
Drops 20-30+ ft in 1-3 hrsWeather imminent