Dastardly Breakable Crust!
22nd February 2022
The were no Wacky Races today! It was a struggle at times, fighting against the strong wind, heavy snow showers and a breakable crust. But, the views were good in the brief spells between showers. The overnight thaw and refreeze has consolidated the snowpack. Shallow pockets of windslab are building in steep wind sheltered terrain and will continue to gain depth and extent throughout tomorrow.
(Above) Beinn Liath Bheag (665m), the location for today’s snowpack observations. There has been significant snow loss at lower elevations and the burns are in full flow! Most snow remains on NE to SE aspects above 600m.
(Above) Shallow accumulations of fresh windslab are building above a crust layer. The total snow depth here was 215cm.
(Above) Looking across to the snowier and lee aspects of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich (954m).
(Above) The exposed and icy summit on Beinn liath Bheag (665m). For the short time I was here between showers, wind speeds were average 34mph, gusting over 40mph and air temperature of +0.5C It felt cold with the windchill effect. Note the snowtail that has formed behind the cairn in the lee of the wind.
(Above) Looking North to the Beinn Dearg mountains. The snowline is around 450m.
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