A blanket of soft snow

7th March 2023

 

A blanket of soft unconsolidated snow overlies a complex snowpack.  Beneath is a widespread weakness at depth which has developed during the recent cold conditions.  Although this is widespread the greatest instability is where windslab has accumulated especially affecting steep and convex terrain.  Conditions on the hill were bitterly cold, low cloud gradually lifted through the afternoon to reveal superb views of the Cairngorms.  Very cold conditions are set to continue, this will maintain snowpack weaknesses.

Soft windslab cracking under ski, indicating unstable snow. This was on a West aspect at 1100 metres.

Looking North, low cloud gradually lifting.

Careful travel on ski, which involved spreading out and avoiding anything too steep.

Very cold light snow, this lovely run came to an abrupt end, when a line of rocks which were almost buried came into view.

A couple of hours of clear skies and sunshine during the afternoon.

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