Yin and Yang, then a bit of karma?
16th February 2022
(Above) The view from high on the sidewall of Coire Ardair looking towards Lochan a Choire, Pinnacle Buttress and the Post Face. Poor viz for most of the day and moist snow up to 900m, the result of a brief rise in freezing level to just above summits. Uphill progress was quite slow in damp snow. Best stick with the exposed vegetation or ridgelines if venturing out on foot away from the beaten path. Skis? Certainly not today.
(Above) Snow falling vertically and gently out of the sky at 900m around noon. Calm or nil wind for most of the morning and early afternoon. I know, of little relevance (or comfort) to those of you being battered by the howling winds of Storm Dudley as I compose this, but a bit of a first for me in a Scottish context. Our Yin to your Yang, p’raps?
(Above) Moisty snow on steep slopes below 800m formed readily into roller balls – some large! – when exiting from Wall Gully, which is tucked into the side Sron Coire a Chriochairein at around 900m. This moist surface snow will firm up quite nicely in the forthcoming colder temperatures.
More wind and snow showers in prospect overnight and during Thursday. Winds becoming quite strong (40mph, gusting 60mph according to our detailed Met forecast, though MWIS are saying 60/80mph, gusting 90/100mph). So, having got off lightly today looks like there’s a bit of karma kicking in for us on Thursday. Plenty of snow transport in prospect too, with more windslab developing on those steep lee slopes, particularly above 900m. See the report for deets.
(Above) A glimpse of Loch Laggan whilst in transit to Wall Gully.
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