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Altitude Sickness
At the summit elevation of 13,796 feet (4,200 m), the atmospheric
pressure is 40 percent less than at sea level. Less oxygen is
available to the lungs, and acute mountain sickness is common.
Symptoms include:
- headaches,
- drowsiness,
- nausea,
- shortness of breath, and
- poor judgment.
The intensity of these symptoms may be lessened by spending at
least a half hour at the Visitor Information Station (altitude 9,200
feet or 3,000 m) before traveling to the summit. If symptoms of
mountain sickness persist or become severe, descend to a lower
altitude immediately.
High altitude exposure is particularly hazardous for:
- people in poor physical condition,
- for those with heart or respiratory problems,
- for pregnant women and their unborn children, and
- for children and teenagers under 16.
It is strongly recommended that people in these categories not
travel above the Visitor Information Station. Extended exposure to
high altitude can cause permanent damage to young people whose bodies
are still developing. |
| People
who should NOT travel above the Visitor Information Station are:
--Children under the age of 16
--Pregnant women
--People in poor physical condition
--Those with heart or respiratory problems
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| People
experiencing any severe symptoms must be taken to lower altitudes
immediately. It can be a matter of life or death. |
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High altitudes can also cause
the life-threatening conditions pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
and cerebral edema (fluid on the brain). Symptoms include:
--severe headaches,
--vomiting,
--breathing difficulties,
--coughing,
--blue lips or fingernails,
--disorientation, and
--extreme drowsiness that may lead to coma. Descend immediately if any
of these symptoms appears. |
| Use
sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. |
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Sunburn and Eye Damage
The summit is above much of the atmosphere that blocks the sun's
ultraviolet radiation. This presents a risk of serious sunburn and eye
damage, particularly when there is snow on the ground.
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not drink alcoholic beverages on Mauna Kea. |
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Impaired Judgment
High altitude causes impaired reasoning and drowsiness. Alcohol will
further impair judgment and driving abilities.
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--Always
use low gear.
--Four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
--Drive at 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) or less.
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The summit access road is approximately 10 miles long and has an
altitude change of nearly 5,000 feet (1,510 m). There are many
sections with a grade of 15 percent. The steep grades can result in
brake overheating while driving downhill. Driving slowly, and in low
gear, will reduce the chances of brake failure.
The first five miles of road are unpaved, have poor traction,
narrow sections, blind curves, and rocks on the road. In some places,
there may not be enough room for two-way traffic, especially when
large trucks are involved. Slow speeds are essential to avoid road
hazards.
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--Take
cold weather clothing with you.
--Evacuate as soon as hazardous weather begins.
--Evacuate if road ice begins to form.
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Weather on Mauna Kea can be severe and may include winds over 100
miles per hour, freezing temperatures, and snow storms. "White
outs" caused by blowing snow can reduce visibility to zero. Deep
snow drifts, freezing fog, and ice on the road can prevent passage. In
the winter, ice may form suddenly, without warning. The steep paved
grades are dangerous with just a thin coat of ice or snow. Visitors
trapped on the mountain under these circumstances are in a
life-threatening situation--they are in danger of freezing to death.
Extreme weather that prevents the rescue of trapped visitors can last
for more than a week.
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--Be
prepared.
--Use caution.
--Travel at your own risk. |
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Mauna Kea is a very remote location. It has no public accommodations,
food, or gasoline service. The observatory buildings are usually
closed to the public. There are no permanent restrooms above the
Visitor Information Station. The only public telephone above Hale
Pohaku is an emergency phone in the entrance to the University of
Hawaii 2.2-m Telescope building. Vehicles should be in good working
condition with good brakes and sufficient fuel to return to Hilo or
Waimea. Emergency services, including medical assistance, may be two
hours away. Safety precautions must be taken to prevent serious
injuries.
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