Author: Chris Allen

Water hazards

When identifying and managing water hazards, it’s not just rivers that we have to consider; we also need to be switched on to identifying a variety of other potential water hazards, including marshes, bogs, lakes and streams.

Steep ground hazards

Although steep ground can be (and is best) avoided by those with limited experience on this terrain, it is a fundamental skill for a mountain leader to be able to operate safely on steep ground.

Weather hazards

Weather conditions can have a huge impact on the mountain environment. In your planning you need to interpret the weather forecast and decide what impact it’s going to have on your plan.

Mountain hazards: overview

When leading/managing a group in the mountains you need to be able adapt to the terrain and conditions you encounter and manage the varying abilities of your group members.

Steep ground skills: Emergency rope-work in descent

In some situations it can be a safer option to use a rope to descend to safe ground, before re-planning a more suitable route. But care needs to be taken, as emergency rope work in descent can sometimes cause more problems than in solves.

Steep ground skills: belay sets ups & belaying in ascent

A look at belay set-ups and belaying for emergency rope-work in ascent. The intention is to keep things safe and simple, avoiding over complicated rope-work.