Mist From the East
10th April 2018
Little change in the snowpack other than it is colder today as the freezing level hovered around the highest summits with very firm snow at high levels. A cool east wind fed in low cloud through the day, breaking up over the more coastal mountains to give some good sunny spells along the coastal fringes.
The usual view of the Beinn Dearg mountains this morning from Ullapool with cloud breaking over Beinn Dearg itself.
Throughout the winter, this burn had to be crossed to allow access into the northern Fannaich mountains. At times during periods of thaw combined with heavy rain, it was in spate and impassable. Note the flotsam on the left stranded in the shrub at ‘high tide’ mark – around 2m higher than current level! An Teallach in the background.
The southern slopes of Beinn Dearg as seen through the mist. At times, the summits were clear above the low cloud. Incidentally, the burn in mid photo also has to be crossed to access the hills on the left. I’ve had to turn back more than once! Just saying……
Looking East below the cloud to Loch Droma and Loch Glascarnoch.
Comments on this post
Got something to say? Leave a comment
Stuart
11th April 2018 4:23 pm
Hi. I enjoy following the blog and the mountain photos. Many thanks. As a mainly ‘summer’ mountain walker due in Torridon and Gairloch area for the first ten days of May, is it looking likely in your view that the higher hills will still be in ‘ice axe needed’ condition at that point. (we are starting to think we may need lower altitude plans)
torridonadmin
12th April 2018 1:02 pm
Hi Stuart. I’m fairly confident that there will be large areas of snow at higher elevations on most mountains by the beginning of May, particularly the more inland hills. So yes, I’d pack an ice axe and crampons. Spring snowpacks typically become firm overnight and soften on the surface through the day, particularly on Southerly aspects and areas exposed to the sun. However, if you’re not confident using axe and crampons, there are many lovely lower and coastal mountains in the Gairloch/Torridon areas that will likely be free of snow. Thanks for your comment.