Snowshoes and Snow Showers
17th January 2024
Another day of heavy snow showers with new snow at all levels. Lying snow is getting deeper, particularly at lower to mid elevations making walking challenging. Drifting snow higher up combined with significant snowfall is adding to existing unstable windslab building on lee aspects. Cornices are also developing above lee slopes. Check the Torridon report for details.
(Above) Some of the snow showers today were prolonged and quite intense. An Teallach in the background about to be engulfed.
(Above 2 photos) The snow lying at low to mid levels, particularly in sheltered locations has not been wind blown and consequently is unconsolidated and dry and sometimes is nearly full snow cover. Snowshoes helped in ascent, but it was easier to wade through the soft snow without snowshoes in descent.
(Above) It occasionally cleared a bit between showers, allowing a view to the high tops of the Fannaichs. Areas of windslab and cornices were observed on the sunlit East aspects of Sgurr Mor (left) and Meall a’ Chrasgaidh (right).
(Above) A snow shower clearing off Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich. In the strong winds that accompany the showers, much spindrift is visible around the summits.
(Above) Drifting is also occurring at lower elevations – 450m. in this photo.
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