Spring Day…
7th March 2024
Very much a spring day in Coire Ardair. The occasional sound of rock and ice fall was evident echoing around the coire, although the source was not obvious. The snowpack should firm up tomorrow, although some quite intimidating cornices remain, this should aid their stability.
Correspondingly, falls or slips on hard snow have the potential to be consequential given the abrupt transition of snow to rocky ground. Check out the image of Raeburn’s Gully for example. The flip side to that is an excellent surface (Scottish neve) for the use of crampons and axes for those who choose to engage in such activity.
The coire had a multi sport feel to it with walkers, climbers, skiers, a snowboarder and one avalanche forecaster. Perhaps some wild swimmers tomorrow?…
Some of Creag Meagaidh’s classic ice lines hanging in there. Pictured here at ‘Pantomime’ IV,5, ‘The Sash’ II, ‘The Wand’ V,5 and ‘Diadem’ V,4. Not sure as to the quality of the ice, the snow was soft and moist at this level today but should firm up tomorrow.
A skier in ‘Easy Gully’ with the Post Face above. I suspect that the snow was firm making for an engaging descent today, such was the careful and measured pace of the descent. There is a lot to be said for keeping one’s momentum down in this steep terrain as was well demonstrated by this skier. Bravo. Fantastic terrain for those with the pre-requisite skills and experience.
Raeburn’s Gully
THE shot of Coire Ardair from the slightly incongruous bench.
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Laurie Pip Fairbairn
8th March 2024 12:04 am
Yeah, managed a few nice turns with the snowboard. Aim was some snowkiting on the plateau but it was blowing a hoolie up top by 3pm, lovely day never the less!