Squaw Peak Static

[Brems]

I made an intresting observation atop Squaw Peak Saturday April 6, at about 10:15 AM. I was enjoing the vista from up there when, I noticed a great deal of static electricity being discharged from my hiking buddies' hair. Something akin to back in high school when you'd put your hands on one of those VanDegraff generators and *all* of your hair would stand on end. I was a bit concerned (due to the fact that an electrical storm had moved across the valley only hours before), but after 'retreating' to a safe location (my car), I watched the peak for about an hour and a half- no lightning. I was curious if anyone elese has observed anything like this elsewhere???? :

[spodumene]

Yes. I was on top of Raplee Anticline in southern Utah with a small group of people. Everyone was laughing about it, until I high-tailed it down to a lower elevation. I also saw lightning travel downhill to an area where there the sun was shinning, miles away. Good choice to get to a safe place when you did.

[zenphx]

My wife has experienced the 'hair raising' effects of static electricity on the rim of the Grand Canyon. There were thunderstorms in the area and she did report some discharges. My understanding is that the static is caused by the dynamics that precede lightning discharges. I've heard advice ranging from 'Get the heck out of the area'....to.....'Hit the Deck!'

[olesma]

Let me assure anyone who may have any lingering doubts as to the reality of being struck by lighning - it sucks.

I have been nearly struck 3 times. Each time the lighning bolt was within a 15 foot span from me. The closest was only a few feet and threw me on my back. That REALLY sucked.

On none of the previous occasions did I ever experience the 'static' effect. I have felt it at other times when there was lighning nearby - but it usually was accompanied by very dry conditions. Humidity dampens the effect of static, so don't count on that as being a warning sign. And guess what - most storms raise the humidity level.

I have actually felt the static effect on Squaw peak on a totally clear (dry) day. It was kind of freaky - but cool.

Then again - with the luck I've had with lighning it wouldn't surprise me to find out that I am Thor (Norse god of lightning and thunder) and just never knew it. All the lighning wants to do is be near its master....