The Pre-Climb Checklist

Inexplicably, every time we climb, we seem to neglect to consider at least one thing.  This prompted me to write the below and thought it may be useful to others.

Remember, this area is relatively remote (certainly in terms of mountain rescue).  Be paranoid about avalanches.

Weather:

Wind – pleasantness

Wind – windslab

Temperature

Snowfall (rain equivalence)

History:

Snow conditions

Recent temperature fluctuations

Terrain:

Approach slope

Windslab and snowfall

Slope above route

Approach:

Car parking

Route in

Navigating (maps etc)

Are snowshoes needed?

Daylight:

Time it gets light

Time it gets dark

Can the drive and/or walk-in to be done in the dark?

Comms:

Have you told someone where you are going?

Do you have comms (mobile phone or other)?