Statement on Safety & Community Standards
This briefing outlines some of the most common health and safety issues associated with the Clash summer field experience and serves to inform you of potential hazards that need to be considered during your participation. It is important for you to evaluate the stated risks with regard to your own personal health and safety, request reasonable modifications (“accommodations”) to course delivery, and modify your participation or attendance accordingly.
Required Actions
Read and understand all sections of this Statement on Safety & Community Standards.
Complete the Clash Summer School Personal Medical Assessment. You will be asked to provide the following information to assist with planning & logistics. We understand this information is very sensitive. Completed forms are held in strict confidence and are given only to emergency responders in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. All forms are destroyed at the end of the activity. Before you begin, please collect the following information: a. Medical Insurance carrier, policy number, and contact phone number
Any Health & Safety training (e.g., CPR/AED) courses you've completed and approximate dates of completion
A list of all medications you take regularly, including drug name(s), dosage(s), & times you normally take them.
Information on any dietary restrictions and known allergies
Details associated with any preexisting medical conditions
Unless otherwise indicated, all fields are required – do not leave blanks. If a field is inapplicable to you, please clearly indicate with “n/a.”
Sign and return by July 10 the Personal Medical Assessment and Statement on Safety & Community Standards Acknowledgement form indicating that you have reviewed and understand the health and safety material provided. Please remember, your participation on the required field trip and completion of this course is contingent upon your timely submission of these forms.
A If you have any questions about this statement, acknowledgment, liability waiver, personal medical assessment, or any topic associated with this course, please contact Professor Marin Clark. On Site questions can be directed to Dr. Stratis Karantanellis
Prof. Marin Clark
University of Michigan
734.615.0484 (o)
626.390.2724 (cell)
marinkc@umich.edu
Dr. Stratis Karantanellis
University of Michigan
734.596.0727 (cell)
stratis@umich.edu
Section A. Community Standards & Grounds for Dismissal
Alcohol and Marijuana Use: In general, alcohol, marijuana and physical activity don't mix very well. We expect you to follow state laws and Mountain Campus guidelines for responsible and legal use of these substances. Violation of these policies and laws will be grounds for dismissal from the trip and you will be responsible for your own transportation home if alcohol consumption limits your ability to participate and/or becomes a hazard to you or your classmates.
Illegal drugs: The use and/or possession of Illegal drugs will not be permitted. If you violate this policy, you will be dismissed from the trip and will be responsible for your own transportation home.
Reckless behavior is unacceptable: Avoid any behavior in the field (e.g., running & jumping over gullies, wandering away from the group, throwing rocks downhill etc.) or at camp that compromises your safety and/or that of others on the trip. If your behavior becomes a significant problem, you will be dismissed from the trip and will be responsible for your own transportation home.
Injuries when not in the field: believe it or not, the most serious injuries on trips such as these generally do not occur in the field where participants are fully aware. On the contrary, most field injuries occur when relaxing (e.g., playing ultimate Frisbee, soccer, mountain biking or even walking back to camp). So, please be careful. Remember that you’ve been working hard and are probably more tired than you realize.
Section B. Physical Health & Environmental Conditions
Poor physical conditioning: may lead to overexertion and severe fatigue that can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and contribute to accidents. As detailed in the attached form, participants with certain serious medical conditions must check with their physician or health services department prior to attending this field trip.
Expect a wide range (COLD and HOT) of temperatures: Elevations of our field areas is ~9000 ft. Summer lows can dip into 30s with highs in the 70s. Evenings are generally cool, but be prepared for cold nighttime temperatures.
Precipitation: is common in short bursts in the summer as intense rainstorms are possible. Beware of flash flood potential (especially in our field site) associated with regional precipitation.
Vegetation: high-altitude forest (evergreen trees and shrubs)
Animals: The site of campus and fieldwork in the natural habitats of bears, elk, moose, and many more. While close encounters with these animals are very rare, we must always be aware and prepared for any wildlife encounters. Please do not approach wildlife.
Insects: Venomous spiders are present in portions of Colorado.
Associated Safety Hazards
Environmental: Dehydration, heat-related illness (heat exhaustion, & sunstroke), altitude sickness
Exposure: Sunburn & windburn
Fauna/Flora: Allergic reaction to insect bite or plant puncture wound
Insurance: Check with your parents and/or spouse to determine the scope of your health coverage before the field trip. You are responsible for all medical and dental expenses during the trip – neither UM nor CSU supplies insurance coverage for students and takes no responsibility for medical expenses incurred by students during field trips, however, we have secured emergency evacuation insurance which will cover you if you experience a trauma and need to evacuated from the field to emergency medical care. Depending on the nature of your coverage, you may have to pay for care in advance and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier at a later date.
Health: If you haven’t had a check-up with your doctor recently, we suggest that you schedule one before the trip. Minor health issues are amplified during trips like this & should be taken care of in advance. You should have shots for tetanus if not currently protected.
Fitness: Participants should determine their ability to handle the short periods (20 - 45 minutes) of low to moderate levels of exertion at high altitudes required to access some of the field localities. Vertical changes in elevation are generally no greater than 50 m.
Medications: Persons under medical care or taking daily medications are advised to consult with their physician prior to the trip. Make sure all regular medications are fully disclosed in the Personal Medical Assessment form and notify Dr. Clark or Dr. Karantanellis of any special medications you may be taking before any emergency situation arises.
Allergies: Persons with known dangerous allergies to insect bites, foods, etc. should fully disclose this information in the Personal Medical Assessment form and make sure to bring them to the attention of Dr. Karantanellis on the first day of the trip so a face can be associated with the name on the form & that the appropriate care can be taken of you in the event of an emergency.
Dehydration: Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water each day in the field. Drink small amounts throughout the day. Remember... we are at 9000 ft altitude.
Exposure & altitude: Take special care to protect yourself from the Sun – wear a hat, pants, and light-colored shirts to keep cool and prevent sunburn and general overexposure. It may be cool and/or cloudy out, but you will get burned if you don’t protect yourself. Extreme fatigue, listlessness, and loss of appetite may indicate altitude sickness – report these symptoms to a trip leader immediately.
Animals: Your chances of being bitten are remote, and become almost negligible by wearing sturdy, over-ankle boots and by not putting your hands (or any other part of your body) in places you cannot see. The site of campus and fieldwork in the natural habitats of bears, elk, moose, and many more. While close encounters with these animals are very rare, we must always be aware and prepared for any wildlife encounters. Please do not approach wildlife. We will have bear spray with us if needed.
Section C. Daily Activities
Individual/group walks/hikes will be limited to relatively short distances (< 1 km) with minimal to moderate relief (10-50 m) and will venture onto uneven surfaces (off maintained trails) carrying equipment, but you might find yourself walking several km on a work day.
Good judgment and extreme care for yourself and those around you are critical. Many people have been injured (some seriously) or even killed (not our students) wandering carelessly through such areas.
Unsafe cliffs, overhangs, and steep slopes are uncommon in our field area.
Associated Safety Hazards
Slip, trip, and fall hazards are extremely common, especially along trails. Loose rocks and overhanging rocks are uncommon, but to exist.
Sturdy, close-toed shoes are required in the field at all times. While sturdy tennis shoes are acceptable, boots with sturdy soles, good tread and leather uppers or equivalently sturdy material capable of providing protection against thorny brush, cactus spines, and sharp rocks are strongly recommended. Any participant without the required footwear will not be allowed to enter field sites. Inadequate footwear may prevent you from participating in some activities. Please contact an instructor, ideally well in advance of the trip, if you have any questions regarding the field shoe policy.
Stay away from hazardous surfaces. Be aware of people above. Avoid climbing when people are below you.
Long pants & long sleeve shirts are recommended in the field
Section D. Transportation
• Transportation is our most significant hazard. We will drive hundreds of freeway and off-road miles during this trip. Drivers have a great responsibility and must be extremely vigilant and careful – the lives of all of passengers, members of the caravan, and the public at large are in their hands.
Associated Safety Hazards
Driver-related hazards: fatigue, distractions, and inattention during driving are significant hazards
Flat tires: are a common potential hazard.
Car-person collisions: several activities require work along busy roadways
All participants must pay careful attention to safety briefings by the instructors. It is your responsibility to be fully informed of potentially hazardous conditions associated with use of vehicles.
Passengers must never do anything to interfere with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Passengers riding shotgun should never sleep and should help keep drivers awake and aware.
Personnel driving university vehicles must first satisfy all the driver requirements outlined by their home university. Additional defensive driver training is strongly recommended.
Before driving, drivers should take whatever time needed to familiarize themselves with their vehicle and routes.
Participants must wear high-visibility clothing (and/or safety vests if provided) when working along roadways and bike trails.
Read, understand, and follow the procedures in the Guidelines for Driving University Vehicles below.
Guidelines for Using University Vehicles
The following guidelines regarding the use of university vehicles must be read, understood, and followed at all times:
For All Vehicle Occupants
University vehicles: University vehicles include "any vehicle owned, rented, leased, or otherwise provided to affiliates of the University of Michigan for use in conducting official business."
Safety restraints: Safety restraints (seat belts, both lap and shoulder) must be worn by everyone whenever a vehicle is in motion.
Keep Vehicles Clean: Regularly remove trash. Loose bottles, rocks and materials on the floor are significant hazards to safe vehicle operation. Whenever possible, maintain the driver’s ability to see out of the rear window when packing the vehicles.
Hazardous materials (e.g. flammables, corrosives, explosives, compressed gases, etc.) must not be transported in a university vehicle unless they have been packaged as prescribed by applicable state and federal regulations. The driver must be informed before the hazardous material is loaded for transport.
Alcohol consumption in any university vehicle is strictly prohibited.
Authorized driver: Authorized drivers are individuals cleared to drive specified vehicles by Risk Management Services at the University of Michigan. Drivers must immediately inform Risk Management Services if they receive a suspension, probation, cancellation, or disqualification of his/her driver's license.
Traffic Laws & Speed: Authorized drivers are subject to all traffic laws and are financially responsible for any traffic citations. In addition to posted limits, drivers must operate at speeds suitable for vehicle, road, traffic, and weather conditions. Where vision is restricted, drivers must slow to a speed that will permit the safe negotiation of curves, hills, or intersections.
Fatigue: Driver fatigue is a leading cause of fatal accidents. Requests for breaks or driver swaps have priority over any itinerary.
Caravan Driving: Caravan Driving is among the most dangerous activity in the field. To help mitigate this hazard, please follow these guidelines:
Whenever possible, DO NOT drive in a caravan. Use point-to-point driving.
Keep to the right on highways. Do not linger in the fast lane – use it only to pass.
Do not pass the lead vehicle. Unless safety dictates otherwise, maintain your position in the line of vehicles.
Do not worry about “keeping up” with the vehicle ahead of you – instead, slow your vehicle to maintain visual contact with the vehicle behind you.
Distractions: Avoid distractions. The use of cellular telephones and iPods, etc. while driving are not permitted (even with a “hands-free” device), except in immediate emergency situations. The person sitting in the “shotgun” seat should assist drivers with these functions.
Inspections: Drivers are responsible for thoroughly inspecting their vehicle prior to initial use and regularly thereafter for unsafe conditions (lights, brakes, windshield wipers, windshield washer fluid) or damage. Drivers must immediately report vehicles that are damaged or in an unsafe condition.
Vehicle Trouble: If you experience a flat tire or other vehicle malfunction that requires leaving the roadway, pull to the right shoulder – never stop in the center median. Carefully pull off as far as possible, but do not go over the shoulder. If possible, park on a hard (paved) surface.
Accidents: Accidents involving any vehicle (university or private) during field camp must be reported according to relevant accident reporting guidelines. The lead instructor must be notified immediately.
DUI: Use of university vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs that may impair the ability of the driver) is prohibited.
Statement on Academic & Social Community Standards
Maintaining a Safe & Effective Learning Environment
Instructors are responsible for maintaining a physically and mentally safe, non-threatening, and inclusive learning and working environment. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in all aspects of the course (academic or not). We take our responsibility very seriously and we expect the highest level of respect for all individuals and property. The following strictly enforced standards are in place for the well-being and safety of the entire camp community. In general, most expectations related to group living could be replaced by BE RESPECTFUL, BE CONSIDERATE, BE COURTEOUS, and THINK.
Open lines of communication
Each person is primarily responsible for his or her own safe conduct, as well as contributing to the welfare of the entire group. In each field area, the leaders will brief the participants on the expected and potential hazardous situations and conditions.
If you are not comfortable participating in any of the particular activities for any reason, you are encouraged to notify Dr Karantanellis, or other trip leader. There are no negative implications for this decision.
If you become uncomfortable with the actions or behavior of your fellow participants, please notify Dr. Karantanellis or other trip leader. Your concerns will be kept confidential and actions will be taken to remedy the situation.
If you become uncomfortable with the actions or behavior of one of the instructors, please contact one of the other instructors at the earliest convenient time. Your identity and your concerns will be kept confidential and actions will be taken to remedy the situation.
Unwelcome sexual advances in any form (e.g., electronic communications, written, verbal, and/or physical) are not permitted. Any behavior that creates an offensive, hostile, intimidating, or abusive environment will not be tolerated and should be brought to the attention of an instructor.
Alcohol and physical activity don't mix. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs severely interfere with our educational mission and pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of the camp community. Specific policies are as follows:
Illegal drugs are prohibited.
In situations where alcohol consumption is permitted, all state and local laws must be obeyed. Drinking by individuals under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited and a person is legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol content above 0.08 in most states. Intoxication is produced by three beers in average male (160 lbs) and two beers in an average female (120 lbs).
All course vehicles (university or private) carrying course personnel must only be driven by a designated driver who has agreed to consume no alcohol.
Drivers must not consume any alcohol for at least 8 hours before driving a vehicle.
Drinking alcohol in vehicles and driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is prohibited.
Moderation, total respect for others, and common sense is expected of those who drink alcohol. The drinking of alcohol should never be actively encouraged. Binge drinking, risky drinking, and drinking games are strictly forbidden.
Kegs of beer, beer bongs, and alcoholic punches are not allowed at the course
Student Bill of Rights
All students have the right to:
Personal privacy
A clean living environment
A learning environment free from undue interference (unreasonable noise and other distractions)
Adequate sleep free of disturbances associated with the behavior of classmates. Rest is essential for good health and safe, effective work in the field (for you and everyone else). Cumulative fatigue greatly exacerbates altitude sickness
Free access to one's room, facilities, and belongings without pressure from a roommate
Personal belongings being respected by roommates and all members of the camp community
Smoking is not permitted in the field. Smoking is also prohibited in all campgrounds, research stations, common areas, indoor areas, etc. If you must smoke, please make arrangements for an appropriate time and place with an instructor. Properly dispose of fully extinguished butts - do not litter.
• Quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
Voices, music, and any other sounds should not be audible beyond your immediate vicinity. Do not presume to select music for others and impose it on them. Evening work periods should be free of unrelated disturbances (no partying or loud music – please use headphones).
Guests
Daytime and/or overnight guests are not permitted.
During your time in the field with CLaSH, you are a representative of the Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan and are bound to adhere to its established code of conduct. In addition to the code of conduct, we expect each student participant to exhibit a high degree of maturity, responsibility, and personal integrity in all academic matters. According to this policy, each student is expected to: (1) act honestly in all matters, (2) actively encourage academic integrity, (3) discourage any form of cheating or dishonesty by others, (4) inform an instructor if they have a reasonable and good faith belief and substantial evidence that a violation of the Honor Code has occurred. Violations will be referred to and investigated by the lead instructor.
As with any university program, students must accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in this academic and social community when they choose to participate in a field-based activity. Students are required to uphold and obey all of the policies listed in this document at all times. Violations of any policy may result in reports to your home institution and subject to the sanctions therein.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual misconduct — including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We understand that sexual violence can undermine students’ academic success and we encourage anyone dealing with sexual misconduct to talk to someone about their experience, so they can get the support they need.
Any student, faculty member, or staff member may submit a complaint alleging a policy violation to any instructor. If you become uncomfortable with the actions or behavior of your fellow participants, please notify an instructor at the earliest convenient time. If you become uncomfortable with the actions or behavior of one of the instructors, please contact one of the other instructors at the earliest convenient time or the Clash PI Dr. Marin Clark (marinkc@umich.edu). Your identity and concerns will be kept confidential when possible and appropriate actions will be taken to remedy the situation. If it is determined that the alleged behavior may be a policy violation, the accused individual will be notified and appropriate actions taken.
Alleged violations can be non-confidentially reported to the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) at institutional.equity@umich.edu
Mission Objectives:
Conduct SfM, TLS, and GNSS surveys to teach students about landscape change detection
Collect data for DEMs with sUAS SfM (Phantom) & Terrestrial LIDAR
Requested specifications: 6 cm resolution, 100m flight altitude
Site coordinates, description & map: Kyle Gulch (40.644384, -105.534809, 2450 m [~8,000 ft])
PI Sean Gallen has provided the larger area of interest defined by the red polygon is ~500 m by 250 m. The specific area of interest defined by the purple polygon is ~250 m x 10 m.
The area will be surveyed in 3 ways: (1) Emlid GNSS, with individual points chosen in the field, (2) TLS, with targets and scanner positions located via Emlid GNSS, (3) UAV SfM, with ground control located with Emlid GNSS. The PI has outlined a 100m flight elevation with a target 6 cm resolution in the final DEM.
Total flight time will be 2 hours or less, and will take place between the hours of 8 am & 8 pm, weather allowing.
Sean Gallen
PI, Colorado State Univ.
(315) 729-7939
Erika Schreiber
EarthScope
WFA Certified
(631) 707-1662
eschreiber@inreach.garmin.com
Samuel Beane
EarthScope
WFR Certified
(339) 832-8043
(808) 684-3863
samuel.beane@inreach.garmin.com
Stratis Karantanellis
Univ. of Michigan
(734) 596-0727
Ben Mason
USGS, Oregon State
(510) 499-7694
While piloting the aircraft, line of sight is anticipated, and a Visual Observer (VO) is not required. However, there will be a number of participants, and a visual observer will be used in redundancy when possible.
Radios are not required to complete the mission. Frequency: N/A Handheld channel: N/A Privacy code: N/A
Cell reception IS expected on-site with Verizon and AT&T.
Describe any additional anticipated challenges regarding communication: N/A
Call 911 if cell service is available, otherwise use satellite phone, or inReach if driving to the hospital is not a viable option. Parking and verbal directions outlined below.
Vans/trucks will be available on-site.
Back-up Emergency Medical Services:
Forest Service Main Line: (970) 295-6600
Forest Service Law Enforcement: (970) 295-6682
Fort Collins Highway Patrol: (970) 224-3027 3832 I-25, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Primary meeting location: Parking area. (40.6465768546, -105.531498504) (Shown in yellow below)
Verbal direction on how to access parking site from Larimer County, CO; northwest of Fort Collins:
Where 287 meets Poudre Canyon Rd, there is a gas station called Ted’s Place.
From there, head southwest on Poudre Canyon Rd for 26.2 mi.
Turn left onto Pingree Park Rd, across a bridge. Continue 4.2 mi.
Turn left onto Pingree Park Rd, continue 0.7 mi.
The parking area is on the right side of the road. Describe vehicles to look for.
Secondary meeting location: (40°38'33.6"N 105°31'52.1"W) (Approx evacuation path and area shown in red below)
In the event that the main parking area cannot be accessed, head east over the hill, cross the power lines and get back to Pinegree Park Rd. Turn right to head south along the road. Meet at the next bend in the road in a southerly direction, where there is a clearing. This bend is a quarter mile south of the primary parking.
Nearby amenities: 45 - 60 mins south (water, food, first aid, shelter)
CSU Mountain Campus
16321 Pingree Park Rd, Bellvue, CO 80512
40°34'17.1"N 105°35'22.5"W
(970) 881-2150
Distance required on-foot to get to a vehicle: <0.5 mi
Concerns for hiking through difficult terrain: Site appears to have some steep terrain but no cliffs and no water.
Distance and estimated driving time to nearest hospital & emergency department: 45 mi / 1 hr 15 mins
Hospital address: UCHealth Emergency Care - Poudre Valley Hospital: 1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Directions and map to hospital:
Land Ownership Map: The site is within Larimer County. Land is owned by The Bureau of Reclamation. Abutting properties are also owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, and issues with local residents are not anticipated.
Special On-site Protocol:
N/A
Permitting: Special Note
Primary survey (06/05/2023) approved on 5/30/2023 by:
Scott Headrick
Forest Aviation Officer
Forest Service, working in conjunction with Fort Collins Dispatch
(720) 209-2303
scott.e.headrick@usda.gov
Matthew Jurak
Lands & Realty Specialist
Forest Service
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland
Canyon Lakes Ranger District
(970) 222-3822
matthew.jurak@usda.gov
Per Scott Headrick and Matthew Jurak, this project does not require a permit because of a working collaboration agreement between Colorado State University (Point of Contact: Stephanie Kampf) and the Forest Service. This grant can be found at the following link, and is described in Appendix A of this document.
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2101068
Hazard Analysis
Hazards need to be discussed amongst all team members before departing to the field.
A ground survey or aerial reconnaissance flight may be needed prior to flying the mission.
Hazard Description
Mitigation Method
Aerial Collision
Collision with other UAS
One sUAS will be flown by EarthScope, and additional UAS are not expected on-site during the survey. Sky will be scanned visually for additional aircraft before take-off and during the flight.
Observers will be placed to maintain visual line-of-site with the sUAS and other aircraft at all times.
Low flying passenger aircraft
Passenger aircraft should not be flying within 400 ft above ground level. Take-off and landing are not permitted in or near the area. Sky will be scanned visually for aircraft before take-off and during the flight.
Collision with birds
If a bird is seen attempting to contact the sUAS, the pilot will land as soon as practical in order to prevent injury to the animal or aircraft.
Paragliders / skydivers
Aerial sports are not known to be popular in this area. Sky will be scanned visually for aircraft before take-off and during the flight.
Ground Collision
Vehicles – cars / boats
Vehicles will be parked clear of approach and departure routes. Overflight of vehicles will be avoided.
Protection of endangered species on ground
Special protocols for endangered animals or plants have not been identified in this area. There are no known restrictions for areas to avoid walking over.
Bystanders unrelated to project
Personnel will remain clear of the ground control station so as not to be a distraction to the operators. Landing areas will be established to minimize risk to people. Landing and take-off will commence after calling out to notify those around, and making sure no one is nearby. Due to the remote nature of this site, it is expected that unrelated personnel will not be present.
Trees, buildings, or power lines
Prior to flights, all fixed aerial hazards will be identified and flight route avoidance planned. From Google Earth, it appears that the site is void of buildings. It appears that power lines run approximately north-south across the designated parking area on-site, and through the area of interest. Therefore, we will be careful to choose an appropriate take-off and landing zone away from this obstruction. Since the designated flight height is 100m, this obstruction should be a non-issue outside of take-off and landing.
Fire caused by mission
(e.g. downed aircraft or otherwise)
Fire extinguisher will be on site in a central, visible area that is identified to all participants.
Equipment Failure
Operating outside of approved area
The approved area has been designated in the overview maps above. Approach and departure patterns will be planned to avoid leaving this region. Pilot has been informed of the approved area. If flying manually, the approved areas will be reviewed and marked on the map pre-flight.
Radio Interference
Given the remote nature of the study site, radio interference is not anticipated. Flights will not be continued if significant interference issues are experienced.
Loss of link due to terrain or equipment failure
Aircraft are programmed to stay within the operating areas in the event of loss of link. All participants will be briefed on boundaries and maps will be uploaded into the operator control units. Prior to launching any aircraft, the LOL settings will be verified. LOL setting will be set to return to point of launch and auto land.
Testing of new sensors or equipment
All equipment has been tested previously.
Ground Hazards
Local wildlife (e.g. snakes, bears, moose)
In the event of a snakebite, patient will be evacuated via on-site vehicle to the nearest hospital with directions outlined in this document.
Bear spray will be carried for black bears and mountain lions in the area. There are no grizzly bears in the area.
Wildfire in area
There are currently no wildfires in this region.
(checked 6/3/2023)
Lightning strikes
A backpack lightning sensor will be carried which detects strikes within 25 miles. If any thunder is heard, all work will stop until a group decision guides the remainder of the day. This is a particular concern for persons carrying 2m poles in the open area.
Hot or cold weather concerns
Expected weather: 47-57°F, rain and thunderstorms. Hypothermia is a concern. Good rain gear including rain pants and a jacket is needed, as well as warm insulating layers and water resistant shoes. A change of dry clothes is recommended. People can get warm and dry in vehicles on site, and can drive to the mountain research station, or back to Fort Collins.
Injury due to spinning blades on aircraft
No personnel except the pilot are to handle the aircraft, who will ensure hands stay clear of rotating blades. First aid kit available on-site.
Personal Protective Equipment Required
The site is a wildfire affected area and trees may fall in high winds. Helmets will be worn at the discretion of the group. Closed-toed shoes are necessary. Hiking poles may be helpful for uneven slopes.
Altitude sickness
Site elevation: 2400m
Participants will be flying in from various elevations, and elevation sickness should be considered. We will be sleeping near the site, which may help. However, if symptoms of AMS are present, the individual should evacuate to lower elevation, limit exertion, hydrate and consider medical evaluation.
High winds
At the discretion of the group, all fieldwork will cease in high winds, with the concern of falling trees. The given aircraft for this project can operate in wind speeds up to 10 m/s.
Document any other relevant laws, regulation or required permits. (e.g. International concerns, USAP wind limitations)
“Clean Up” Protocol: This survey will require ground targets (1 m² tarps) to be staked down. These will be removed following the survey, with minimal impact to the natural environment. No permanent control will be set.
Document any known human or environmental variables that may cause increased risk to any team members based on personal risk factors or their identity. (e.g. racial/religious/gender/disability/other)
N/A
