Windy and turning milder

28th March 2021

Covid -19
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service issues information to support permitted activity under current Scottish Government guidance.
Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to Scottish Government guidance and safe route choices for exercise. For further guidance please refer to the following information for hillwalkers and climbers and snowsports on ski and board.
This blog is intended to provide hazard and mountain condition information to help plan safer mountain trips.
There was a brief period of thaw last night although this only affected the surface of the snowpack. A much more significant thaw with heavy rain arrives tonight. On North through East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres moderately bonded soft snow remains around coire rims and gully tops. There is a very thin crust above this although on foot you can sink in at least knee deep! Wet snow instabilities will develop in these locations during overnight heavy rain. Cornices are present above many steep slopes and gullies on these aspects and are prone to collapse in the mild conditions. In other locations the snowpack is firm and stable.

Looking towards Mess of Pottage and Aladdins buttress in Coire an t-Sneachda.  Cornices overhang many of these slopes and gullies and are prone to collapse in the mild weather.

Looking towards Fiacaill buttress and into Coire an Lochain behind, where cornices overhang many of the crags. 

Looking into the ski area where snow is patchy at lower elevations. Cover improves above 900 metres and is good on summit plateau areas. There is a significant thaw tomorrow and Tuesday before turning colder again. 

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