Becoming Mild
14th December 2024
The day started cold enough with evidence of fresh overnight snow down to around 650 metres, dustings on all aspects, and the highest summits already in the cloud. Down in the Glen it was about 3C compared to the reported sub zero summits. Heading up the hill, isolated accumulations of deeper snow above 850 metres were found and made for some harder going on foot but with good route choice were easily avoidable. Icy paths and rocks sometimes hidden under a thin layer of snow. Moderate South-Westerly winds continued to blow snow around with pockets of shallow windslab having formed, notably on Northerly aspects.
Throughout the day the forecast temperatures slowly climbed with the freezing level above the summits by the end of the afternoon. And so the thaw begins, with damp overnight conditions, rain and strong Westerly winds through tomorrow. The freezing level well above all the summits. The snowpack is expected to become increasing moist as it thaws but is expected to remain generally stable, given the freezing temperatures lately, rock fall maybe the greater concern.
Start of day view of the Aonach Eagach Ridge
West face of Aonach Dubh, Number 1 and 2 Gullies with Dinner-time Buttress in the middle
Sron na Creise
Buchaille Etive Mor from the East, Stob Dearg and along to Stob na Doire
Icy patches thawing but more persistent than any dusting of snow
Returning to a gloomy looking Glen with impending rain showers over the Three Sisters
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