Look busy, the boss is around!
15th February 2017
(Above) The view over to Beinn a Chlachair (1087m) from Aberarder Farmhouse this morning. Was expecting a 700m cloudbase but it turned out fine. Really quite mild and dry all day. Quite noticeable snow loss in all locations and at all altitudes, too.
(Above) Had Shaun Roberts, Senior Instructor & Principal of Glenmore Lodge (and formerly ‘of this parish’) out with me today. Apart from directing the operation of the national outdoor training centre, Shaun also has important overwatch responsibilities for the SAIS, not least negotiating and securing our annual funding from sportscotland. Shaun was a member of the first cadre of avalanche forecasters here at Creag Meagaidh back in 1996. Suffice to say, he’s talked the talk but –  more importantly  – also walked the walk when it comes to avalanche forecasting.  His was a pastoral visit today, here to discuss not-so-far-over-the-horizon developments in the Scottish avalanche service and to garner opinion about broad operational issues at ‘Meggie.  So there was a fair amount of talking but also some actual regular walking!
Plenty of soft moist snow as the thaw took hold today, as seen above at 550m.
(Above) Shaun’s temporary office for the day at 800m. He carried out the formal snow observations which you’ll see in the ‘snow profile’ section of the avalanche report page on the website. And he ‘breezed it’: nailing some ‘mixed form’ (partially facetted) grains in one layer that has been a regular feature of recent snow pits. Respect, Shaun!
Going to be missing the blue skies for a day or two with the onset of relatively moist and windy conditions commencing overnight with some rain, and a little snow but only at higher altitudes.
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Grant Duff
17th February 2017 10:04 pm
Search and you will find… snow that is!