Creag Meagaidh Blog & Mountain Info

(Above) Further overnight snow and a white landscape to greet the day for the drive to work. Coire Dubh (Cnt of photo)

(Above) Coire Dubh – photo taken form afar on A86 and enhanced for contrast (apologies – had another venue in mind for today and I just didn’t fancy a hike into Coire Dubh for a better photo!)…….  Size 2 dry slab event. Crown wall just visible left of centre skyline. Overnight event

(Above) A mantle of fresh snow on Coire nan Gall.  Again evidence of recent avalanche activity. These smaller 0.5 snow slides (below crags) likely the result of early morning single point release, sun on new snow events.

(Above) The well trodden path to Beinn a Chaorainn. Seldom have I gone into the Coire this winter and not found folk on the popular East Ridge route – a good choice for a day out in the  current conditions…

(Above) Skis the weapon of choice – and the ‘plan’ … to have a gander (from the safety of East Ridge) at some East and South East aspects.

(Above) Beinn a Chaorainn – East Ridge

(Above) Close up – you are not alone.The team making good progress at around midday….

(Above) The visibility came and went – some largish sections of cornice were glimpsed (rt skyline). The snowpack at present, although consolidating (below 800m) has a  very defined graupel layer near its base. The heavy load of a collapsing cornice could well pull out some larger slides overnight -   rain to all levels for a period. Some improvement  thereafter expected with the cooler temps am.