View from the top of Cathedral Stairs, Hermit Trail
Photo Illustration by Brian Lane.

First Excessive Heat Warnings of the Season

The first heat wave is poised to hit the Inner Grand Canyon this Saturday, June 5^th, 2010 and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the weekend. The NWS may also issue its first Excessive Heat Warning of 2010 in the next couple of days as temperatures for the Inner Grand Canyon could reach as high as 110 degrees by Monday. These "dog days" of summer will last from now until early September, although the Arizona Monsoon Season (June 15th - September 30th) and its pattern of thunderstorms can offer temporary afternoon relief.

Excessive heat is the number one weather related killer in the U.S. with more than 1,500 people dying each year from heat associated situations. After blisters, this is the most common malady in the canyon, bar none. Initial symptoms include headache, pale and sweaty skin, cramps, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. The symptoms usually progress as water loss increases. If not treated, your skin will turn red and hot and you will soon become disoriented, irritable, combative and ultimately unconscious.

Remember that the human body is 60% water and a canyon hiker can lose 20% of that water in one day of hiking, (or about 12 to18 pounds, which is equal to about 1.5 to over 2 gallons of water). The chronological order of heat related injury for the average person goes something like this: After sweating about 2% of your body weight your thirst mechanism is triggered. At 3% your performance is reduced by about 10%. Around 3 to 4% loss and heat exhaustion and muscle cramps set in. Then, at about 5%, your body begins losing a severe amount of muscle strength and endurance and you begin to make really bad decisions. By the time your body has lost 6 to 9% of its water weight, incapacitation sets in and you are unable to stand. Next comes the onset of total delirium and coma, when you reach 20% you are gone. Anyone choosing to hike into the canyon during periods of high heat should make sure to heed the following safety rules...

1). Avoid Strenuous Activities

Do not hike inside the canyon during the hottest time of day, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Find a cool shady place to rest until temps moderate. Consider hiking at night, especially when the moon will provide some illumination.

2). Stay Out of the Direct Sun

Exposure to full sunshine increases your own personal "heat index" by about 15 degrees. Plus the fact that getting a sunburn makes the cooling process much more difficult.

3). Dress Accordingly

Wear loose, lightweight and light colored clothing, preferably cotton since cotton stays wet longer and therefore keeps you a bit cooler for a longer period of time. I like to keep a wet cotton hanky or neckerchief around my neck to help cool too.

4). Eat Accordingly

Avoid heavy proteins that increase water loss and also increase metabolic body heat production. Consume more carbohydrates and simple sugars for energy.

5). Drink Lots of Water

Start drinking extra water a few days before your trip and drink sport drinks with electrolytes a couple of hours before you begin your hike and while on the trail. Sport drinks containing electrolytes help keep your body chemistry balanced when sweating a lot. Especially in the summer season you will need to drink nearly a quart of water and/or sport drink for every hour of hiking. Drink enough fluids that your urine runs clear and avoid alcohol or caffeine, and consult your physician if taking antihistamines or antidepressants. Don't take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor.

** If you find yourself or someone else in your group suffering from the heat be sure to have them rest in a cool, shady spot. Slowly drinking copious amounts of water and/or sport type drinks can help. If symptoms progress, aggressive cooling is required so spray the victim with cool water and fan them while massaging muscle cramps as needed. Evacuate immediately if incapacitated. **


Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian on Tanner Trail
Photo by: Larry Lindahl
www.larrylindahl.com