Hoot Owl wrote:
Curious, what would you do if you were caught above timberline in a lightening/thunderstorm?
First and foremost, check the weather forecast before setting out on a hike. Start early and get off mountain summits by noon and below timberline after noon. Look and listen for signs of possible approaching storms. Count the seconds between the lightning and the sound of thunder and divide by 5. The sum is the distance in miles the lightning happened.
For example: Thunder sounds 3 seconds after lightning flash. Now divide 3 by 5. Lightning is .6 miles away.
What to do if caught in a lightning storm (esp. above timberline):Stay away from any water source like ponds, streams, or gulley's (keep in mind, snow is NOT a good conductor).
Get off mountain ledges, cliffs and summits. If possible, find the lowest, driest area.
Keep away from large rocks, trees, and/or other objects that stand high in the immediate area.
Note- Although not above timberline, small stands of trees or groves below a larger forest canopy make a good shelter from lightning.
Remove all metal objects like jewelry, trekking poles, frame backpacks (internal or external).
Rid yourself of all electronic devices. (GPS, watch, flashlight, radio)
When in a group, spread out. (Survivors can perform CPR on a lightning strike victim.)
If you have a backpack
without a metal frame, use to create a layer of insulation between yourself and the ground.
Stay on your feet, tuck your head down between your knees while wrapping your arms around your legs, keeping your back hunched over. This creates a "shell" which the electric currant can wrap around the body rather than going directly through and destroying vital organs.
DO NOT lie down flat on the ground, this will allow the electric currant to reach vital organs in a direct line of path if struck.
Remember that tents DO NOT provide shelter from lightning. Tent poles can act as lightning rods.
PLEASE NOTE: I have memorized this information from hiking, mountaineering, and survival guides. This procedure does not guarantee lightning strike survival but may help decrease the odds of being struck in the open with little or no protection.
Please obtain info for areas you plan to travel for the most reliable safety precautions.
A couple books I recommend reading are
Mountaineering "Freedom of the Hills" (unknown authors),
Colorado Fourteeners and
Colorado Thirteeners by Gerry Roach.
Other things I have experienced:Lightning can happen at anytime, day or night.
Study mountain weather everyday (if possible) to recognize patterns, thus making personal predictions more accurate.
You cannot outrun a storm, physics always wins.
The more you are outdoors, the more exposure you risk taking. (Naturally)
Plenty of outdoor experience helps but Mother Nature is always the boss.
My passion for the mountains is what keeps me sane, alert, happy, and in touch with my vulnerability! Happy Trails and I hope we can all enjoy fun and safe times in the Rocky Mountains! 
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