The Fannichs, and a South-Westerly hairdryer.
20th March 2026
Another fine day in the hills. A trip into the Fannichs today, to see how the snow coverage was fairing there. Probably a little more snow here than in the Torridon range.
Tomorrow is forecast to be cloudier, with possibly some light rain. Freezing levels are forecast to remain above the summits for the next 24 hours at least. Little change in the remaining snowpack, which will stay well consolidated and continue to slowly thaw.
The wind picked up today to be blowing 30-40 mph on the tops, and was unusually warm, around 5 or 6 degrees C at summit level. There is a picture below of the recent summit temperatures recorded on Fionn Bhienn. I often think of this process as putting a hairdryer on the snowpack. Warm temps are not great, but if you add in significant windspeed as well, it will speed the thaw process up, as the warm wind blows over the snow.
The surface of the snowpack today was quite soft, even in sheltered Northerly aspects.
Looking towards Beinn Dearg hills, just North of our Torridon area.
The North east slopes of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich.
Meall a Chrasgaidh on the right and Carn na Criche on the left, above Loch a Mhadaidh
An Teallach from the Fannich hills.
Sgurr Mor on the left, the summit just hiding in cloud.
Meall Gorm from Loch Glascarnoch.
Fionn Bhienn summit temperatures over the last 36 hours or so. Ignore the windspeed shown as they are not reliable at the moment.
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