Summit snow
23rd February 2026
There had been fresh snow overnight to around 900 metres and it continued to snow until mid afternoon, but this became increasingly confined to the highest summits. There was drifting snow above 1000 metres and windslab accumulations were building in wind-sheltered locations, although these deposits were quickly consolidating.
Where exposed to the wind, the snow surface was firm this morning but this quickly softened in the thawing temperatures.
Most people returning off the hill were looking wet, as they descended down into the rain at lower elevations.
The freezing level is due to be well above the summits through Monday night and Tuesday, with only trace amounts of wet summit snow and rain in the forecast. The snowpack will be thawing at all elevations and cornices will be prone to collapse.
Th summit of Cairn Gorm was out of the cloud for a brief period early this morning. It’s just visible left of centre.
Coire an t-Sneachda. Expect the burns to be higher tomorrow as the snow packs thaws at all elevations.
Coire an Lochain. There was cornice debris observed beside the lochan but with the poor visibility it was difficult to see where this had come from. Needless to say, it had travelled quite a distance. This mostly likely occurred during the last mild period on Friday 20th. More cornice collapse is to be expected tomorrow as the freezing level rises to well above the summits.
Looking out of the twin burns area in Coire an Lochain.
Whoops. This was noticed at 950 metres shortly after midday. There had been fresh snow here overnight and in the morning but by this time it was thawing, making for a sticky ski descent. Snow bridges will be prone to collapse tomorrow in the thawing temperatures.
Lurcher’s Gully.
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