Wintry Showers
29th January 2025
There were frequent, but short lived showers this morning, wintry generally above 600m. and mostly of graupel. During some of the heavier showers, snow was in the air down to 500m. although it was not settling. At the same time, the freezing level was around 700m. In all but the wettest of air (100% humidity), there is a difference between the freezing level and the level at which snow settles or lies on the ground without melting. This is due to the humidity of the air; ie the drier the air, the lower the snow settles (snowline) below the freezing level. The snow settle line is at what is known as the wet bulb freezing level.
The showers became more scattered by the afternoon with some good sunny spells. Pockets of windslab were noted in wind sheltered terrain, mainly East to South-East aspects above 700 metres, although amounts are small, shallow and generally avoidable. Otherwise, the snowpack is consolidating well and generally has good stability. A breakable crust exists at mid elevations and above, with some icy sections on wind scoured features.
(Above) Looking into the northern Fannaichs. The cloud base this morning was around 650m, a tad higher than yesterday. The snowline also is a bit higher than yesterday at 450m.
(Above) The north top of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich at 850m. There were better views between showers, although fleeting. Not much evidence of fresh snow at this height. However, at summit levels, there will be isolated areas of windslab forming in steep sheltered locations as the snow is driven on strong winds, particularly during the snow showers.
(Above) The vague outlines of Carn na Criche (961m.) on the left and Meall a’ Chrasgaidh (934m.). Spindrift is notable at summit level in the aftermath of a recent snow shower.
(Above) A snow shower over Braemore moving in fast from the North-West, albeit, short lived.
(Above) Not much to see at 700m. Most snow remains on North-East to South-East aspects.
(Above) And typical that there are brighter intervals between showers on the way off the hill!
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