Snow Showers Continue
26th February 2020
Snow showers persisted throughout the period, snow down to low levels in the heavier and more prolonged showers. A fresh to strong Westerly wind ensured that there was considerable drifting and snow deposition on lee slopes. Fresh windslab is continuing to build on steep sheltered slopes, mainly NE to SE aspects even at lower elevations. Cross loading is affecting other aspects. It felt cold today with a notable windchill.
(Above) A panoramic photo looking over the main Ullapool to Inverness road, A835, onto the main Fannaich mountains between snow showers, Spindrift is noticeable around the summits.
(Above) Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich emerging on the left with Sgurr Mor still in the cloud behind. Large cornices have formed above lee slopes particularly around coire rims and ridge crests.
(Above) Small avalanches (size 1) observed on the NE side of the north top of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich (marked), probably occurred overnight and possibly cornice collapse triggers. Any recent avalanche activity spotted is a good indication of snowpack instabilities on that aspect and elevation. Note to self: don’t put freezing cold binoculars to face in sub-zero temperatures….!
(Above) Passing shower. Note that the windward hillside is scoured. At higher elevations, where it is exposed, the refrozen old snow is very firm and icy in places. Much spindrift at 600m. on the hill behind.
(Above) Snow tails behind exposed objects indicating that the wind is blowing from Left to Right in the photo. Scouring on the left side of the shoulder and snow deposition in the lee right side.
(Above) This is what it was really like most of the time…!
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