Strong winds and snow transport

18th March 2020

Strong winds today made progress difficult as well as a bit tedious at times. Snow cover on the plateau remains firm and icy with some big sastrugi to be found (pictured below). The strong westerly winds are transporting snow readily, resulting in windslab accumulations in wind sheltered locations. With relatively cold temperatures in the coming days instabilities are likely to persist.

Some good visibility but the best views were often obscured by blowing snow. A standard Cairngorm day!

 

Carn Etchachan and Shelter Stone viewed from above Stac an Fharaidh during a brief clearing.

 

Sastrugi (skis for scale)

 

Looking towards Loch Avon in more typical visibility today. Good but reduced significantly by blowing snow.

 

 

Windslab cracking under skis, an indication of a weak layer.

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