Snow and Strong Winds
16th February 2026
A much snowier day starting with overnight snowfall easing to frequent showers, above around 400 metres. Driven by strong North-Westerly or Northerly winds, redistributing any soft snow on exposed slopes. This fresh and windblown snow had quickly accumulated to significant amounts and wider distribution in sheltered locations on many aspects, mostly East to South. With variable winds around Coire an Laoigh other aspects were building to significant accumulations also. The greater than expected snow amounts increased the hazard from forecast to Considerable at higher elevations. Cornices were also fragile in these locations. Away from rocky features visibility was poor with whiteout and blizzard conditions, making for serious and consequential conditions.
More snow and strong winds are expected this evening, continuing to develop the instabilities before weather conditions settle and ease tomorrow afternoon.
Coire an Laoigh with the rock ridge leading to the summit, Stuc Coire nan Laoigh.
Slab already forming at around 700 metres with persistent snow and redistribution occurring. Significant amounts building through the morning after this picture.
Walkers exiting the steep and heavily drifted coire edge out of Coire an Laoigh. Cornices fragile on these Easterly aspects.
Paths on the way out now snow covered in the few hours since being higher.
Soft graupel settling on the frozen ground, around 400 metres around the middle of the day.
A glimpse across to Sgurr Dubh and the distant Southern summits of the area.
Looking back up towards Coire an Laoigh on the way out.
Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe and Creag Dhubh.
Slioch around the middle of the day.
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