Basics:

Backcountry Hazards

Note: By using the SEAtrails website, maps and trails you accept full legal and personal responsibility for inherent dangers and risks. It is your responsibility to find out about current trail and weather conditions and submit a travel plan before going out (e.g. coast guard for kayak, etc.). SEAtrails is not liable for injury, death, or any damages to personal property. Users should be aware that under Alaska state laws AS 09.65.290 and AS 09.65.200 recreational users assume full liability for their activities.

When venturing into backcountry take a friend or go with a group, and let someone know the planned route and time of return. Plan ahead. Before leaving, day hikers should ask themselves if they can survive the night out of doors given the current time of year. Decide beforehand when to turn back, whether the objective has been reached or not.

Glaciers

• Some of the SEAtrails trails give access to glaciers. Hikers are warned not to wander onto the “neve” unless they have the equipment and knowledge of glacier travel. The neve is permanent snow, which conceals crevasses (deep cracks in the ice) and forms snow bridges, many of which are unsafe. Ice caves and seracs (ice pinnacles) are fun to look at, but they can collapse suddenly causing injury or death.

Slippery Wet Boardwalks and Spring Snow

• Be wary of wet and icy puncheon, boardwalk, fallen trees, or any boards underfoot. Expert hikers have broken a wrist from slipping on wet boardwalk. Petersburg and Sitka ranger districts use chicken wire to hold unwary feet, other districts and agencies use slats or build boardwalks as staircases. Rarely, puncheon is laid down and a tread made of cedar chips, which provides safe walking for years.
• Be cautious of boardwalks in thawing snow. Holes develop over the steps and edges of the board, and one can fall in, or fall off, the boardwalk. It is best to stay completely clear of boards at these times. (At higher elevations expect the same problem stepping off rock onto spring snow or stepping onto a buried tree. Natural thin-roofed snowcaves often exist in these places.)

River Crossings

• Although no swift river crossings are called for in the trails described, it is possible that awkward river confrontations will take place because of washed-out bridges.
• Always treat rivers with respect; their dangers are not apparent at first sight. On hot days cross glacial rivers during the morning. With melting snow they can become raging torrents by afternoon. Beware of ice chunks and rolling rocks, which can knock the unwary off their feet. In murky glacial water the leader should probe the bottom for deep holes. To cross safely, remember a few basic rules.
  1. Look for the widest place where current speed and depth are diminished, or look for braided streams.
  2. In deep rivers, take off socks and put boots back on to allow firm footing.
  3. Undo pack waistband.
  4. Use a long stick for counterbalance, or link hands. Sometimes a handline or a belay with a rope is necessary.
  5. Keep feet apart and face upcurrent, if difficulty requires.
  6. Use the stick to probe for holes.
  7. Measure the party’s ability to cross by its weakest member.

Avalanches

Some of the deep valley routes described are subject to avalanches during winter and early spring. Especially vulnerable are those close to the downtown area of Juneau, the Chilkoot Trail, and the Blue Lake road east of Sitka. Inquire of the locals or the parks and recreation department in Juneau, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in Sitka, and the National Park Service (NPS) in Skagway, if unsure of the status of any of these trails. High ridges are also subject to cornicing (overhanging snow), which may collapse without warning. Stay away from snow edges and remain behind cracks on ridge edges.

The Prime Killer: Hypothermia and Wind Chill

Hypothermia, the prime killer of outdoor recreationists, is more common than many people realize. Hypothermia is a drop in body temperature due to cold or wet conditions and/or fatigue. It can be recognized by slowing of pace, clumsiness, disorientation, apathy, and irrational behavior.

As soon as any member of the party appears to be getting irreversibly cold, stop. Find a sheltered spot (retreat into trees, if at all possible) and build a fire. Do not give food or drink if the victim is not fully rational or conscious. Do not give alcohol under any circumstances. If the victim is wet, insist that they don dry clothing. Failing that, wrap the cold person in a plastic tarp or garbage bag to create a vapor barrier, which will reduce heat loss due to evaporation. If a sleeping bag, tent, or space blanket is available, use them, and insulate the victim from the ground. (Warm the sleeping bag beforehand or get into the bag with the patient. A sleeping bag insulates; it will not raise the victim’s body temperature on its own.)

Concentrate on warming the core areas, such as the head, chest, groin, and armpits. Keep the extremities cool. Do not leave the patient alone. Wind chill is also a killer. Subtract one degree in temperature per mile an hour in wind speed and plan accordingly.

Giardiasis

• Giardia lamblia is a waterborne parasite, which can be carried in cyst form by all mammals, including dogs and humans. It is found in some Alaskan streams and lakes that have been polluted by mammal feces. Drinking tainted water brings on symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas and diarrhea usually within 8 to 10 days. Any water source can be contaminated, including clear running streams. Poor sanitary practices may also allow giardia to be passed on between people. Hikers are advised to carry their own water, or boil water for five minutes, or use chlorine or iodine and let stand for 30 minutes if the water is turbid or cold. Most filters are inadequate, unless designed specifically for this purpose; filtration of less than five micrometers is needed to eliminate the parasite.
• People can help keep waterborne diseases clear of lakes and river and stream systems by keeping their dogs under control and out of water courses. Campers should carry a collapsible bucket and not wash directly in a stream or lake. If toilets are provided, use them; if not, dig a hole at least 100 feet from water and cover well afterwards.

Devil’s Club

Learn to recognize the aptly-named devil’s club plant, whose large, umbrellalike leaves grow on long, spiny stalks that sometimes reach a height of 10 feet. In fall, vertical clusters of red berries ripen in the center of the plant, and the leaves turn a radiant golden brown. It is beautiful and highly photogenic, but avoid contact at all costs. Fine barbs penetrate the skin and will stay for a week or more. On steep slopes wear leather gloves if possible. (Murphy’s Law dictates that the one plant on hand that will save the hiker when a slip occurs is Devil’s Club!)