Sunshine and Drifting snow.
7th March 2022
Another lovely sunny day here in the North Cairngroms. Southerly winds re-disturbed the soft surface layers of the snowpack this morning. There is not a huge amount of fresh snow, so the areas of windslab that formed as a result of this re-distribution were quite limited, much of the hill is scoured and icy. However, where is has accumulated this windslab is not very stable. A snowboarder triggered an avalanche on the Cas headwall during the afternoon. Looks like being a windy day tomorrow.
Cas Headwall. Avalanche triggered this afternoon by snowboarder. Firm windslab developed due to drifting snow from the plateau on strong Southerly winds. This overlies a soft layer beneath creating an unstable snowpack. Thanks to Sarah CMRT for photo.
- Drifting snow this morning.
The view over to Carn Etchachan and Ben MacDui beyond
Erosion on the right (the sculpted snow) and deposition of the left (the smooth snow).
Cracking in the windslab. Although the areas of windslab don’t tend to be extensive, what there is is not very well bonded as demonstrated by the cracking shown here.
The view over the plateau to Braeriach
Great visibility today. Sron na Lairig, Sgor Gaoith behind, Creag Meagaidh off the right and in the far distance Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis are just about visible.
Looking down the Lairig Ghru to Cairn Toul.
Some good example of raised ski tracks.
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