A Snowy Landscape
4th January 2025
A bright and cold day in the Fannaichs. Unfortunately, summit cloud did not disperse soon enough for better views. Although the hills look very wintry with almost full snow cover, the snowpack is generally shallow and unconsolidated with no base to it. However, localised areas of moderately bonded windslab exist in steep North through East to South-East aspects at higher elevations. And there was some minor drifting of snow in the fresh Westerly wind today.
Tomorrow will be another bright and cold day. The cold air temperature and cold snowpack will maintain weaknesses within the windslab. The Easterly wind tomorrow during the day may transport loose snow from East to West aspects, but amounts are not likely to be significant. Otherwise, there will be little change in the snow cover.
(Above) The North to South-West aspects of Meall a’ Chrasgaidh on the left and Sgurr nan Clach Geala on the right.
(Above) Looking West from Druim Reidh, the North ridge of Toman Coinnich, into the mountains of the ‘Great Wilderness’. The crags are on Sgurr Dubh(918m).
(Above) Looking up the wind scoured ridge of Druim Reidh towards the summit of Toman Coinnich (935m). Windslab has accumulated in the lee on the left side (East) of the ridge. Where terrain is scoured, there are areas of very firm and icy snow.
(Above) The summit of Toman Coinnich. Small and fragile cornices are developing above steep lee aspect slopes.
(Above) Looking Northwards across the snowy wastes. At least there was a touch of sun.
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