Thaw conditions

29th 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.
Today was a very warm windy day with the snowpack thawing at all levels. Strong winds limited how far I could travel, today’s pictures are therefore similar to yesterday’s but show a comparison in conditions. The thaw is due to continue tomorrow, remaining cornices will be prone to collapse in the mild conditions. There will be a return to colder conditions on Wednesday.

Looking into Coire an t-Sneachda. The snow loss low down and on the approach slopes is obvious compared to yesterdays photos, but still good cover higher up. Remaining cornices are prone to collapse and rockfall is a hazard in thaw conditions.

Fresh debris most likely caused by cornice collapse during heavy rain last night is evident below the central gullies.

A photo of the ski area for comparison to yesterdays. Cover remains good above about 950 metres.

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