Normal Service Resumes & a wild goose chase.
28th March 2023
(Above) Lochan a Choire in upper Coire Ardair as seen (just!) through the filter of a snow shower this morning. Abrupt return to wintry conditions at Creag Meagaidh today, though mercifully that didn’t include strong winds.
(Above) The view out of Coire nan Gamhna towards part of the Post Face of Coire Ardair and the somewhat snowier Inner Coire. Limited visibility all day above 900m.
Fresh soft windslab today but more of a localised issue rather than widespread. Mainly NW through N to NE aspects above 950m; coire rims and gully exits are the most affected places. The forecasted rain (at all levels) hadn’t made its presence felt above 700m by the time I exited the hill but that may well make an appearance before the day’s end today. The outlook is mild, people, so expect some snow loss at all altitudes!
(Above) Descending (quite some way down) out of Coire nan Gamhna I looked back through the mist at the N-facing slopes and gullies just to the east of Bellevue Buttress. Avalanche debris? New avalanche debris?? Binos out for a closer look. Through the mist, it seemed like quite a big event. Can’t be, surely? A north aspect so a likely ‘perp’ given the wind direction. Wasn’t expecting any profoundly large snow slides but the only way to be certain was to flog myself up to 950m AGAIN for a look/see. Turns out to be quite old and refrozen debris including some chunks of cornice, all covered with a new coating of fresh snow.
Doh!
I’m blaming the poor visibility…(and maybe a bit of cause & effect thinking!)
(Above) Arrow marks the location of the old avalanche debris, and the asterisk shows where today’s formal observations were carried out.
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Patrick
28th March 2023 5:59 pm
Well I’d call that true commitment for which we are massively grateful
meagaidhadmin
28th March 2023 6:16 pm
Thanks, Patrick.
Have to say, if it had been fresh avalanche debris it would have put a completely different complexion on today’s avalanche report!