Storm-safe camping terrain in high southern Sierra?

[thegib]

Giantbrokie's point is the one I'd emphasize too. While lightning storms are unforgettable dramatic experiences they aren't statistically anything you should overly worry about. Camping on top of half-dome (now illegal) and some spots on the bighorn plateau excepted, just take comfort in the stats.

[Lumbergh21]

Giantbrokie's point is the one I'd emphasize too. While lightning storms are unforgettable dramatic experiences they aren't statistically anything you should overly worry about. Camping on top of half-dome (now illegal) and some spots on the bighorn plateau excepted, just take comfort in the stats.

When I hiked the JMT in 2015, I was struck - not literally - by how I was the tallest thing on Bighorn Plateau for a quite a dstance as I saw lightening strikes off to the west. I was motivated to pick up my pace.

[SSSdave]

...they aren't statistically anything you should overly worry about. Camping on top of half-dome (now illegal) and some spots on the bighorn plateau excepted, just take comfort in the stats.

Visitors that don't understand lightning phenomenon and its safe practices would be wise to be afraid and worried. Sort of like drivers that pass others around blind curves or over hilltops. Not likely each instance but over a lifetime math changes. A JMT hiker just killed along the SF San Joaquin River canyon wall because they apparently lacking knowledge chose to escape thunderstorm rain under a tree.

https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/ ... ce-reports

https://www.weather.gov/media/safety/Analysis06-19.pdf

In the US an average of 90 deaths from lightning occur annually and FEMA estimates 3 times that many or 300 are injured.

[thegib]

If you search for annual or total CA lightning fatalities you'll find an odd lack of consensus, but it appears CA averages just 1 death per year, or fewer, from lightning strikes, so the US average isn't too helpful. While everyone should learn best practices I wouldn't go so far to say it's wise to be afraid. Respectful sure, but not afraid. Perhaps this is just semantics. I mean, I feel like I'm properly afraid of lightning, but I still camp high, hike high, and peak bag while there's dark clouds.