Shelter Triggers

Go to a shelter if ANY ONE is true:

1. Wind + Cold

• Temps below ~25°F
• Sustained wind 15+ mph or gusts 20+ mph
• Exposed ridge or saddle
• You feel cold before stopping

2. Freezing Rain or Heavy Wet Snow

Automatic shelter night. No debate.

3. Ground Conditions

• Solid ice
• Snow too deep to anchor
• No flat or drained tent sites

4. Wet and Can't Dry Before Dark

• Damp clothing + temps dropping
• No sun left
• Hands losing dexterity

5. Mental/Physical Exhaustion

• Foggy thinking
• Irritation during setup
• Skipping food or water steps

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Winter Decision Scoring

Score 3+ → Shelter. Score 2 → Consider. Score 0-1 → Tent OK.

Condition	Points
Temp below 25°F	+1
Sustained wind 15+ mph	+1
Wet clothes at day's end	+1
Freezing rain / ice forecast	+2
Ground unfit for tent	+1
Mental / physical exhaustion	+1

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NOT a shelter trigger:

• Cold but dry and calm
• Tired but functional
• Others are staying there
• Convenience