Poor visibility and firm snow
7th February 2026
Strong Easterly winds continued to bring relatively dry conditions with poor visibility. The freezing level rose from 500 metres to around the highest summits by the end of the afternoon. Despite this the snow remains firm with the potential for serious consequences in the event of a trip or slip.
It is hard to show the snow cover as most snow remains above 700 metres which is also where the cloud base has been for several days now. However there is good cover on most aspects above 700 metres with patchier snow below this height.
Todays observations were from Mullach an Rathian on Liathach and the lowest snow patches were just below 500 metres. There was also ice in and around the stream bed at a similar height.
Looking up towards Mullach an Rathain, Liathach. This photo was taken at about 600m, visibility is only as high as about 750 metres. The snow only gets steeper and more consequential higher up. The snow was very firm from 600 metres today.
Looking down from about 700 metres on Mullach an Rathain. Despite the ocassional patch of heather, there was 55cm of well consolidated and frozen snow here. Little change is expected over the next few days.
Ice in the stream at 500m on the way into coire Toll Ban, Mullach an Rathain, Liathach. This will now be melting in the milder temperatures.
Ice just above the waterfall below. Despite the Easterly winds this has formed equally on both sides of the stream. Most likely as water from the small waterfall below has blown back upstream and frozen on contact with the colder ground. Again probably now melting in the milder temperatures.
Maol Chean Dearg with An Ruadh-Stac visible behind. This is one of the few peaks to remain out of the cloud over the last few days.
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