Northern Cairngorms Blog & Mountain Info

Snow White and the….

27th April 2012

(Above) ‘Bashful’ at the cairn at spot height 1141m at the top of the Fiacaill of Cas. Note the thick rime on the north side of the cairn. (Actually, he’s got his eyes closed due to the punishing spindrift…not because he’s bashful…or a dwarf…although all his children are taller than him..and so’s his wife, come to think of it!).

It’s wintry with plenty of snow. Coverage is complete with very few if any rocks showing through on the plateau. Deep in places where it’s drifted so skis are the preferred mode of transport up high. You could skin all the way from the car park to the summit of Ben Macdui without taking skis off (judicious route choice required near the car park). Ski touring highly recommended, though steep South-facing descents will continue to hold weaker windslab for the time being.

(Above) Wintry shot at ‘Windy Col’ with the some of the top of the Mess of Pottage crag in the background. There is a lot of riming on most North-facing crags but a lot of clearing may be necessary on some routes – deep, unconsolidated snow in places as well.

Very poor visibility today but the weekend forecast is for cold temperatures, light winds, occasional light snow showers and much brighter conditions.

Comments on this post

Got something to say? Leave a comment