Northern Cairngorms Blog & Mountain Info » A Micro Dusting of Snow

A Micro Dusting of Snow

30th December 2025

The hills looked slightly more wintery this morning following a micro dusting of overnight snow. Over head conditions were excellent, light North-Westerly winds and the summits cleared frequently to give extensive views. Again many of the lower lying areas surrounding the mountains held low level cloud. Temperature in the glen this morning was around -4 degrees and unlike other days this week when up high had been considerably warmer, today was not. Summit readings were as low as -7 degrees which combined with the wind chill felt very cold.

Very little has changed, the remaining snow continues to be ‘bullet’ hard and presents a serious slip hazard. After days of stability, change is now expected. Tomorrow will bring strong winds and poor visibility with the possibility of some light snow showers in the late afternoon. Then an Arctic Maritime air mass will settle in from New Years Day, bringing stormy, very cold and snowy conditions.

Photos below give a flavour of mountain conditions today.

Looking up to the Cas Head Wall from Windy Ridge. Very serious runouts from these snow patches.

Looking across to Bynack Mor from El Alamein Refuge. There is virtually no snow on the West aspect of Bynack Mor. El Alamein was built by Highland Division military personnel in 1963. Named after a 2nd world war battle in El Alamein Egypt. It is now semi derelict and provides very little shelter. Located in a remote location overlooking Strath Nethy.