Wind Chill Concerns

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rainman19

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Below is Mt. Washington's report for Saturday. The last part is concerning. If you are camping at 2,000 to 3,000 feet what should I be prepared for. zero degree bag going to cut it if I can avoid the wind? thoughts? :(


Low pressure departing the Ohio River Valley this morning will continue snow as it moves off the New England shoreline this afternoon. Since the low has moved further north than models projected yesterday, fog will continue on the summits without clearing like what was predicted yesterday. Some clearing may occur today though with winds remaining so low eliminating orographic induced fog. Overnight, an upper level trough will move through which will bring a chance of snow showers, but things will taper a bit after midnight. Tomorrow, upslope snow showers will persist on a strong northwesterly flow. Tomorrow, Canadian high pressure builds in which will bring cold air in. The summits may see some clearing late in the day as drier air works in. Winds today will remain low but as the low departs this afternoon and high pressure builds overnight into tomorrow, the pressure gradient will strengthen increasing winds. With the low winds and light snow currently falling, snow is actually accumulating on the summit. The snow appears to be low density based on appearance but will not know until the official measurement later this morning. As a result, this snow will be easily transported. As winds increase slowly, snow will slowly drift low but as winds ramp up overnight into tomorrow, this snow will be lifted to a fairly decent height generating ground blizzards at times overnight into tomorrow. Also, with lowering temperatures and increasing winds, a wind chill advisory will be needed starting at midnight tonight and lasting through tomorrow. Wind chills will be 0-10 above falling to 0-10 below this afternoon and falling to 25-35 below overnight and 30-40 below tomorrow.
 
Is this report for the summit? If so, then that'll be much different than for areas below treeline - not as windy.

First question - where are you planning on sleeping? IMO, most places you are allowed to sleep will be in the trees and you'll be inside a shelter or maybe your tent. If so, then you won't see those windchill numbers.

Temperature rating is subjective, but many do just fine with a 0 degree in the Presidentals. Even on really cold nights you can pull some tricks (ie. warm Nalgene inside bag) to keep warmer in your bag.
 
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