Wet, Wet, Wet (& Windy!)
10th February 2022
Today was WET, Very WET (did I mention it was WET?)  Combined with winds gusting in excess of 50mph meant that we only managed to get to around 550m before being forced to turn back. Between the heavy rain showers, we did get occasional views up towards the higher tops. The freezing level rose to around 800m, presumably above that height the snow was a lot drier and still drifting.
Looking up towards the East Ridge of Creag Dhubh on Beinn Eighe. Localised windslab can be seen on this North-East aspect. This is mainly older snow overlain by some fresh windslab.
‘Pete the Pine’ stands sentinel above the gorge. Testament to times before human influence, when woodland would have dominated the landscape at this altitude.
The high winds meant that we had to do our snow profile today at around 550m. A weak layer of graupel was present which failed easily. (See yesterday’s blog for a better photo of graupel). Graupel is precipitation that forms when supercooled water droplets are collected and freeze on falling snowflakes, forming 2â5 mm balls of crisp, opaque rime.
The Lead Forecaster for Torridon looking a wee bit damp. Thankfully, tomorrow is looking like a better day. We are expecting some dry, colder weather with lighter winds. Expect the terrain underfoot to be icy as a lot of the precipitation from today starts to freeze.
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