Spring Like conditions
18th January 2025
Today in the Northern Cairngorms was positively ‘Spring Like’. Even with the 30-40 mph South Westerly wind there was still no need for the usual gortex/windproof layers to keep warm. Summit temperatures reached a balmy +9 degrees which feels unprecedented for mid-January.
As would be expected with the prolonged mild and dry weather, the remaining snow patches are very small and restricted mainly to North through East to South-East aspects above around 1000m. Early morning, the snow patches were pretty firm, softening later.
There was a temperature inversion present today, with temperatures in the glen cooler than on the tops.
Air temperature in the shade at the Ptarmigan 1090m showing +9.3 degrees.
Some snow remains at higher elevations. Here at Ciste Mhearad a shallow East facing corrie at 1125m. The snow was very firm first thing, then softened as the morning went on.
Looking up towards the East side of Cairngorm – some snow remaining with reasonable run outs. Many of the remaining snow patches are in steep locations with very consequential runs outs. In the foreground of the picture is ‘Concorde Rock’, locally ‘christened’ by ski tourers to identify the shallow East facing gully which often (sometimes!) makes for a good ski.
Loch Avon in the foreground with Carn Etchachan and the Shelterstone in the background. The most continuous ribbon of snow in the centre right of the photo is Castle Gates Gully.
A close up of Hells Lum (East facing) and the Feith Bhuidhe to the left of the picture.
North facing Coire Cas headwall with the spot height 1141m. Photo taken from Coronation Wall.
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