compass survival and training

If Lost, Stay Put!

How to read a Compass

Survival Table of Contents

Recent Rescues Tales

UTM World Grid

Using UTM

Mountain Survival Stories

Things to do at Tahoe
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Lake Tahoe Recreation

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Mountain Surival tactics

Tahoe Avalanche Conditions

Weather in the Sierras

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Earth Quake 411
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EarthQuake Survival

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Incline Advisory

Incline Weather

Interesting links

Mission and Execution

National Association for Search and Rescue

Nevada Road Conditions
Red Cross Handbook

Reno Weather

Sierra Nevada Hiking Trails

Surviving the Cold

Survival Tips

Tahoe-Roads.Com

Tahoe Search and Rescue

Triage Evaluation

Weather cams at Tahoe

Washoe County Search and Rescue

Weather.Gov

Winter Driving Skill

other survival sites

Survival Quiz Link

"Battle Cold and Conquer Mountains"

cold weather survival skills

Improvise, Adapt and
Overcome!


what to do if missing in the back country.

Survival Table of Contents

Catalogue of SurvivalTactics

Tahoe Avalanche Conditions

Shelters

First Aid Info

Check weather updates

The mountains are prone to afternoon thunderstorms. It can Snow any time of the year and it has! You can check local, Nevada and California weather and road reports here.

Check Current Weather Radar Here!!!

Preparing for Back Country Fitness

Things to do at Tahoe: 411-tahoe.com

Want to make a complaint about anything? Do it Here!

NEW LIVE WEAHTER CAMS OF LAKE TAHOE FROM DIAMOND PEAK HERE!!

( Tahoe Survival Tips).

Weather.Gov

Lake level at Incline.

See Weather or Not you are going to Play Today!

Tahoe Rim Trail

Tahoe Map

***Rope Knots***

Member of National Search and Rescue
search and rescue at lake tahoe
Outdoor Gear 125x125
Mountain Survival. com
If you have questions or need assistance, Please call us at
775-741-0735
24/7 (Live)

How are you going to Survive today? Prepare Here! Mountain, Wilderness, Desert and Urban Survival. Increase your proficiency and competence with survival tactics offered here.

Today is:
Updated: Monday, April 28, 2008
How to deal with Black Bears in the Sierras. click here!!!

I have included a link to a survival quiz on another site. Take the test and see how you do. I disagree with some answers but it is all good.

We have over 40 years experience in the outdoor wilderness and are still learning. If you have questions! We have answers!

Over 12,600,000 visitors to this site.
This site specializes in outdoor skills and tactics needed around Lake Tahoe but can be used anywhere.
Survival Facts!!
Fatalities this year due to Avalanches as of
Monday, April 28, 2008: 52 in the US & Canada this season so far.


TIP:
Survival Priorities.

Not only learn but practice your survival skills.

Know your limitations before you go out into the back country.................................

A cell phone or a Gps does not take the place of a good map and compass. Story here 16apr08
.
God, guides, guards, governs, protects and provides!!


Earth Quakes in the Reno/ Mogul area 4.7. Be Preapred with proper equipment.
usemap="#25pigshaftb640d32e"
traping survival
hunting survival
Warning: "Those who go into the Wilderness and engage in dangerous sports are playing chess with Mother Nature."

Deep Survival:
L. Gonzales


If in a survival situation, keep a Positive Mental Attitude. Lose this and you will not return. STOP!!!!!

Stop
Think
Observe
Plan

Then ACT!!!!

See Weather or Not you are going to Play Today!

Check out latest weather advisories in the Sierras HERE

• Weather is great at Tahoe. Snow is going fast.. 16 April 08


How to build a snow shelter.

This is Washoe County Search and Rescue
Video by Reno News

Ten essentials for emergency survival in the outdoors
Training:
We offer land navagation courses, mountain survival training , team building and more at Tahoe.The more notice the better. Contact Us.

Regardless of the status of the current weather condition, we strongly recommend checking the weather forecast before any back country trip.

( Tahoe Survival Tips).

Keep Trying: Never Ever Give Up!!!!!!

S........Size up the situation STOP
U.......Use all your senses.....undue haste ..............................................makes waste
R........Remember where you are
V........Vanquish Fear and Panic
I.........Improvise
V.......Value Living
A.......Act like the natives
L........Live by your wits and continue to ............learn more

With us, you may avoid this!

Search and Rescue training at Lake Tahoe 14 Jan 2007. More picture here.

Updated Avalanche conditons in the Sierras.


RatePoint Site Seal


You have questions, we will find the answers. Contact us here at josh@mountainsurvival.com


Winter snow camping tips. HERE!
Tips on cold feet: Before you go to bed make sure you're wearing dry socks. Even if your socks are a little damp, don't just add another layer over them. Change them! Remove your sweaty liners too. 22 Mar 08

Call us when you need us: Washoe County Search and Rescue. We are volunteers and can use your donations. "So That Other May Live!!! Any Where! Any Time! NO CHARGE!!!

What to do if someone has not returned from the back country.
god guides, guards, governs and protects
god is loveYou do not have to wait 24 hours to report a missing hiker or child. The sooner, the better.

If you believe that someone is missing or overdue, you should report them right away to law enforcement. The 24 hour rule does not apply to search and rescue, however there must be reasonable circumstances for us to justify our response. The determination of whether SAR will respond is left up to the SAR Coordinator. He determines the urgency of the response.

There is no charge for the search and rescue in Nevada. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office utilizes teams of well trained volunteers supervised by professional paid deputies that have been trained in SAR management. These volunteers are dedicated citizen's from the community that donate their time, vehicles and equipment to our cause. The teams finance a large portion of their operations with donations from the public and private grants.

If you need them Call Them. They are volunteers under the direction of Washoe County Sheriff Department. 911.
area: North Lake Tahoe to the Idaho-Oregon border, Nevada side.


cooking Making soup over a small fire is not as easy as it seems. Cover the pan, block the wind, and keep the fire small and concentrated. Time yourself when you practice. You don’t have to rush normally, but speed can be important in some situations, and it’s always possible your stove will break. 22 Mar 08
Nevada is a high earth quake area. Make sure you have a 3 day survival kit ready for you and your family. Learn how to make one here on this site.

Stay out of abandon mines. Nevada has over 50,000 mines, Do not explore! Stay out and Stay Alive. act wisely

Compass stick: Learn how to use a watch and the sun to determine direction, or how to use a stick and shadow. Compasses break, and maps get lost. You should know at least one or two ways to determine direction. You should also note the direction most likely to take you out of the wilderness before you start. If you remember that a highway runs along the entire south side of the area you are in, you know which way to go in an emergency. 22 March 08  

Do you know the difference between "Heat Stroke" and "Heat Exhustion"? You should! One can be treated in the field and the other needs immediate evacutation.
Do signal mirrors really work?
You bet they do!!!! more here


mountain survival skillsmountain survival skillsmountain survival skills

A Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Gardnerville, Truckee, Washoe County and Sierra Nevada outdoor survival tips and Weather site.

KEEP A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.

Mountain Survival Complete Table of Contents

This site can also be reached by the following http://

survival.ws and mtsos.com


Weather or Not!!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Competence in backcountry survival is increased with the knowledge of weather activities. .......................Keep updated here!!!!

Check Current Weather Radar Here!!!

Check Tahoe/ California weather info here!!!!!

National Weather Service Warning and Forcasts!!!

Tips for staying in shape!!!

Remember, weather at Tahoe can change anytime. Check it often.

An oft-stated rule of thumb for walking speed is 2 miles per hour. But that's for a dayhiker on an easy trail. It doesn't account for heavier loads, gazing time, rest stops, photos, or lunch breaks. Plan to average about 1.5 miles per hour if you move steadily on a good trail. Heavy loads, rough terrain, rest stops, or water searches slow you down further.
22Mar08


Throw In The Sponge!

On your next trip, pack a sponge instead of a towel. Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Laurie J. Braaten, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, says sponges are versatile, compact, ultralight, and dry (almost) with a squeeze. Among their many uses: to wipe up spills or leaks in a tent, clean gear, dry off a ground cloth, and bathe far from a stream (Leave No Trace style!).




Quick tip: Cold Feet
Before you go to bed make sure you're wearing dry socks. Even if yoursocks are a little damp, don't just add another layer over them. Change them! Remove your sweaty liners too.


Tip: Keeping Bees and Yellow Jackets Away

avalanche survival skills

Avalanche Safety. Check it out!!

"The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible."

Check Current Weather Radar Here!!!


Mountain Survival Tales


We are looking for stories. Send us yours and we may put it up.


Great GPS tracking device used by Mountain Survival inc. and Mountain Survival .com

More info here.



Washoe County Search and Rescue finds a lost snowboarder at Diamond Peak. Snow Boarder found shelter and started a fire to dry his clothes. He did the right things if you do not count skiing out of bounds. The snow was so deep that rescuers were up to their hips on snow shoes.

Washoe Searches in the past 120 days.


Archived Tales of Wilderness Experience
Les Stroud shows how to build a snow shelter.

 

Warning terms for each kind of disaster

Hey! don't like the weather? Go go Thisweathersucks.com and see when it will end.

Forecast for Greater Lake Tahoe Area

28 Apr
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a west wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

29 Apr

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 5pm. Partly cloudy, with a high near 53. Very windy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to between 35 and 40 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Very windy, with a west wind 35 to 40 mph decreasing to between 20 and 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.

30 Apr

Wednesday: Sunny and breezy, with a high near 39.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

1 May

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

2 May

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

3 May

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

4 May

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.


Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite Bivvy Sack

This 8-ounce emergency bivy sack really shelters you and holds up to repeated use. Tip: To make it really useful and lite, use a silk liner. Used by members of Washoe County Search and Rescue.

To find out more click here.


Live view updated every 10 minutes of Lake Tahoe as viewed from Diamond Peak Ski Area.

UPDATE:4/28/2008 1:29:54 AM

Most recent weather updates click here at Weather-or-Not.org or This Weather Sucks.com


OUTDOOR TIP!!!

Take Breaks While Hiking

If you're exhausted, a rest and a snack (see energy bar and gel reviewsbelow) can do wonders to boost morale.
In general, the military adheres to a schedule of 50 minutes of marching to 10 minutes of resting. This is a good pace to start with, although you might find you need more or less rest. When planning your trip remember to keep
plenty of time setaside for those rest periods.

If you are planning to hike in the back country, this article is very important. Check it out!!!!!

Preparing for Back Country Fitness

A tip for all of you back country and out of bound skiers. Take along a space blanket.

VALUE OF SPACE AGE BLANKET:

For first-aid in giving reflecting warmth, for fire reflection warmth and light and signals, for rain-proof shelter, signals of all type.

Find out more!

compass survival and training

If Lost Relax!!! (Click here to read what to do!)

If Lost, Stay Put! Make yourself visible! SAR teams will find You.

Survival Tip: If you need to attract attention make a "V" (need immediate assistance) or a large "X" (need immediate medical assistance) on the ground. You can stamp it our or use tree limbs or brush to make the signal more visible This is easier than SOS and requires less material. Also wave with 2 (two) hands and arms (distress). A 1(one) arm wave indicates all is well.

If you have a whistle, give 3 blasts (distress). This can be heard up to 5 miles away under certain conditions. Three (3) signals of any kind mean SOS (Distress). (2 blasts mean "All is well")

Know the Rules Of 3's.

  • You can survival 3 minutes with out air.
  • You can survive 3 hours without proper shelter.
  • You can survive 3 days with out water.
  • You can survive 3 weeks with out food.

*********
Winter Camping in the Mountains

  • If camping in a valley, find a spot more than 60 feet above valley floor where the overnight low is 5 degrees warmer.
  • Set up camp among trees for more warmth and less dew.
  • Place camp with clear view of eastern horizon to get morning sun.
  • Place boots and clothes under tent fly to prevent dew or condensation.
  • Empty bladder before sleeping.
  • Wear a hat on a cold night.
  • If above the snowline, store water bottles upside down to prevent caps from icing. Ice floats to the top.

    Survivor Traits Taken from Real Life Experiences

    All Survivors
    • Had the ability to improvise.
    • Were very adaptable and could make the best of a poor situation.
    • Were usually very patient and remained calm, cool and collected.
    • Were usually prepared physically or mentally or both.
    • Were very aware of their own fears, shortcomings and attributes and tended to control them or use them very will in the situation.
    • Had the ability to weigh the facts and make decisions crucial to survival.
    • Had practiced skills that directly contributed to their survival.
     
    Most decisions are made on an emotional level and not by using logic.


    10 Essentials for Backpacking at Lake Tahoe (or anywhere for that matter)

    By Dennis Lewon, BACKPACKER Equipment Editor, Gina DeMillo, BACKPACKER Associate Editor, September 2002

    1. Daypack. The capacity you need depends on weather conditions and what you'd need to survive a night out. Count on extra space for photography equipment or other gear for hobbies like drawing or fishing.

    2. Food and water. Sounds obvious, but many dayhikers underestimate how much fuel they'll need for a 12- to 16-hour day. Pack two lunches and a few snacks or energy bars. Check water availability; if you can't refill along the way, carry a few quarts, more in hot weather.

    3. Headlamp. Test it before heading out, and pack extra batteries if you expect to be hiking in the dark.
    Tip: The new LED head lamps last a long time and are very bright. I now use one for search and rescue operations.

    4. Basic first-aid kit. Think about the stuff you'd need to patch injuries long enough to hike out--a few bandages, some antiseptic wipes, and butterfly bandages for wounds, a triangular bandage (also works as a sling, bandanna, and athletic wrap), and tape. Adjust for longer outings and group size.

    5. Map, compass and now GPS . Don't take navigation for granted just because it's only a dayhike. ( Hikers at Tahoe have been lost only 1 mile from the main road. It can happen.) Ten miles from the car is still 10 miles into the backcountry. A gps is of great benifit however, it should not replace a map and compss. Do not forget extra batteries. Remember in the winter, batteries drain faster.

    6. Water treatment. A bottle of iodine tablets or other chemical treatment adds mere ounces to your pack, but pays off on long days when you're constantly refilling your tanks. Water purification pumps also work well. They are a little heavier and may freeze during the winter.

    7. Rain shell. A lightweight waterproof/breathable shell is ideal. A poncho also works and may take up less room in your pack. Toss in an extra midlayer if the weather is chilly.

    8. Emergency shelter. Depend-ing on your preference for pack weight and comfort, all of the following work: bivy sack, emergency blanket, tarp, a waterproof rain suit. Consider carrying a lightweight sleeping bag if nighttime temperatures would kill you.

    9. Warm hat. It won't take much space in your pack, but provides the warmth of an extra sweater if the mercury dips or if you have to sleep out.

    10. Fire. Lighter or matches in a waterproof container along with a candle. Trixoine tables will light with a spark kit even when wet. (Butane does not work in very cold temperatures with out first warming it up.) I perfer a steel and flint striker along with vasoline and cotton balls.

    11. Find Me Spot. This is a must if you want to hike or travel into the back country alone. Cheap insurance. added 7 Dec 2007

    12. Knife. A good full tang knife is a must in all survival situations.


    WHY YOU NEED THIS SITE!

    Tahoe Avalanche Information: Click Here!!!

    2008 US & CANADA, AVALANCHE FATALITIES & CLOSE CALLS

    Check here for current update.

    Washoe County Searh and Rescue needs volunteers. Check out Washoe SAR.com below.

    Washoe County Search and Resuce: WashoeSAR.com

    Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue: tahoenoridcsar.com

    Washoe County Search and Rescue and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue are both volunteer organizations. They are supported by your donations.

    Everyone enjoys the back country around Lake Tahoe. No one plans to get in trouble but when you do, these organizations are there so that you may live.

    Please contact these two organizations throught these links tahoenoridcsar.com and WashoeSAR.com and ask how you can support them. Both organizations have fun raisers but it is not enough. They need your support.

    ............so that others may live.................


    Rescued in the Back Country

    3000+ Missions for the years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

    When you ventrue out, BE PREPARED!!! Click here to find information on the search and rescue missions.


    prepare your survival skills for chaning weather

    The weather at Tahoe can change any time. These pictures are 15 minutes apart. 9 March 2001

    Be Prepared!!!!!!!!

    Site Table of Contents

    Increase your proficiency and master the craft of back country survival if you plan any outdoor activity.
    Check our survival index.


    Looking for Something to do while at Lake Tahoe? Click below.

    survival


    BackPacker.com

    Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com


    If you have any questions you may contact us at by calling 775 741 0735 or e-mail:

     staff@mountainsurvival.com

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