Clear Spells Aloft
4th January 2025
There were some clear spells today, despite some lingering fog in the valleys. In fact it was much clearer for a time at plateau level, and although slightly superficial it was brilliantly white.
The colder temperatures are due to continue and we should see some redistribution of the light snow as the wind direction changes tomorrow. This will result in some new windslab deposits, particularly on the steep convexities that surround the plateau on South-West to North-West aspects above 950 metres. Despite the wind some isolated windslab deposits will persist on East and South-East aspects. Although these will be gradually eroded by the wind they contain lingering stubborn weaknesses. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate tomorrow.
Coire a’Chriochairein
Climbers on ‘Trespasser Buttress’ IV,5. An allegedly fine mixed climb which features the “diving board”, a particularly airy ledge! The line takes the obvious left to right chimney through the bottom buttress, the leader of this party is hidden from view potentially engaged in its delights.
Far from optimum conditions (again). But ice building readily on these classic ice lines tucked away in the ‘Inner Corrie’. ‘The Wand’ V,5 (left) and ‘Diadem’ V,4 (right). Worth checking with yesterday’s blog image…
A shot looking at the cliffs above Lothian Uaine situated just to the west of the window and south of “the W’s”. A contour feature that has brought a navigational deferral for the most prepared of Winter Mountain Leader candidates… There was moderate drifting today as the cold snow lying on the plateau was redistributed. Such as on these high North and North-East facing slopes above 950 metres. The true summit of Creag Meagaidh (cairn just visible) lies on the skyline at 1130m.
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