Whereas it rarely snows around Clear Lake, the higher mountains in the Mendocino National Forest often do receive good amounts of snow. For example, nearby Snow Mountain often has several feet of snow on its summit. The same applies to Hull Mountain. Even Elk Mountain has been known to hold a foot or more of snow. Local residents are attracted to the snow and they can get into serious trouble if they’re not equipped to take care of themselves in an emergency. Most of the time people get into trouble because their vehicle either gets stuck in the mud or snow or breaks down far from help. The national forest is laced with back roads, many of which are often muddy or blocked with snow drifts. The temperature in some of these areas such the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area can often dip down into the low teens. If your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck, it can be a long and cold wait if you haven’t taken the proper precautions prior to making the trip. A few years ago a group of people had to be rescued from Anthony Peak near Covelo, and a pair of hunters were also rescued from Grizzly Flat in the forest. They were ill-equipped to handle the cold and snow. Some were dressed only in short-sleeved shirts and had to spend the night huddled together in their stuck vehicles. Being prepared for the worst weather can save you life. The most important thing is to leave a detailed schedule of where you are visiting and when you plan on returning with a loved one or friend. Include the make, color and year of your vehicle. Don’t deviate from your schedule. For example, if you plan on going to the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area, don’t change your mind once you get there and divert to Covelo without telling someone. That way if you fail to return on time, the search and rescue teams have a better chance to locate you. Many times rescue teams waste time looking for someone in one area when they are really in another. When traveling in the national forest during the winter months stay on the main roads and keep off little-used back roads because there is a lesser chance of someone coming by to help you. A few years ago while deer hunting in the national forest I was driving down a little-used back road and came across two elderly gentlemen whose truck had broken down. They said that I was the first vehicle to come by in two days. Always carry along extra clothes and be sure you have a workable jack for your vehicle as well as a shovel, an ax and even a small saw along with some basic tools such as a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Carry at least two flashlights. Carry several boxes of matches in case you have to start a fire to keep warm, In fact, one of the best fire starters is the common road flare. A large candle is also excellent for starting a fire. It goes without saying that your gear should include either a warm sleeping bag or a heavy blanket. If you have a cell phone, take it. Be sure and include a vehicular charger for the phone. Most of the cell phones are now equipped with a GPS feature that allows the police dispatcher to get a bearing on you. The problem is that in many areas the cell phone won’t transmit to the nearest cell tower. Have a detailed map of the area you plan on visiting. The U.S. Forest Service has excellent maps that show even the most remote roads. Don’t wander away from your vehicle and be prepared to spend the night in the wilderness. For example, say your vehicle breaks down on a remote road and there is only about an hour of daylight left. The temperature is 20 degrees and getting colder. The question is will you be able to survive the night until help arrives? First, stay with your vehicle. If you can locate some dry wood start a small fire for warmth. Here is where your candle will come in handy. Keep yourself as dry as possible to prevent hypothermia. The vehicle itself will normally offer enough protection to survive the night.
Both Lake and Mendocino counties have excellent search and rescue teams and they will find you if you become lost, but it could take considerable time. As one who was raised in Northern Minnesota and has spent a number of nights in the woods during the winter, I can say with certainty that it will be a cold experience. But you can survive with a little common sense. As an old-timer once told me, “The woods are a beautiful and wonderful place but it’s also a monster waiting to eat you if you make a mistake.” How right he was.
