A Wild Day

18th January 2021

Covid -19

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service issues information to support permitted activity under current Scottish Government guidance.

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to Scottish Government guidance and safe route choices for exercise. For further guidance please refer to the following information for hillwalkers and climbers and snowsports on ski and board.

This blog is intended to provide hazard and mountain condition information to help plan safer mountain trips.

Rain, hail, sleet, snow and spindrift today, depending on the altitude! Frequent heavy showers, wintry above 500m. combined with strong to gale force Westerly winds, gusting over 50mph in the more intense showers. Exposed windward areas are scoured, firm and icy, while unstable windslab is building in localised sheltered lee areas.

(Above) Druim Reidh, the shoulder leading to Toman Coinnich in the Fannaichs at 800m. Strong winds blowing from right to left and icy underfoot. New cornice growth noted on the edge overlooking a steep East aspect.

(Above) Being pinned down during a heavy shower gave a photo opportunity! Much spindrift in the air with snow being transported onto lee areas with poor visibility at times in blizzard conditions.

(Above) A ‘Thank God’ break between showers. During the more intense showers, the air pressure will drop, as will the air temperature but the wind will increase. Snow cover is patchy below 650 metres, but remains good at higher levels.

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