Mild and moist
16th March 2023
The freezing level rose above the summits around daybreak, then rain fell at all levels. The snowpack has become moist and is gradually consolidating in all locations.
The freezing level is set to remain above the summits and the snowpack will continue to consolidate. However, isolated surface instabilities may be present, mainly on steep North-West through East to South-East aspects above 900m.
Travel on foot today was hard going at times, sinking into moist and slushy snow. Above the tree line, the footpath into Coire Ardair still had a layer of snow on it, giving a wintery feel to the day, despite the mild temperatures.
There was limited visibility, but the sound of running water was ever present. Unsurprisingly, there was a noticeable absence of any human activity in the coire today, with just the mountain hares for company.
The snow bank on the right-hand side of the stream indicates where the wind has becoming from. A South-Easterly wind (that is from right to left in the photo) has deposited soft snow on the bank. This snow is now moist and is not going to be blown anywhere!
Looking towards Coire a’Chriochairein.
This stream may look frozen but there is running water underneath the ice. The top left corner of the photo is looking towards “The Window”.
The footpath into Coire Adair, taken early afternoon.
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