No Visibility with Snow
14th January 2026
A mainly dry night and morning with cloud bases around 800 metres. Rain and snow coming in before midday on moderate to fresh South-Westerly winds.
Committing to Coire nan Lochan or possibly higher, the snow level started around the awkward step on the path in, becoming increasingly snowy after crossing the burn on the normal climbers path at 650 metres. The coire was notably snowy with large areas of deeper accumulations, though the lower apron boulders, lochans and tributaries remained visible. It was hard going off the beaten track ‘post holing’ through a thin crust, knee or thigh deep in many places. It was not until about 900 metres that the snowpack was more consistently firm indicating the freezing level.
Heading up around the corie, unstable windslab and cornices were present on the steep sheltered northern to eastern aspects, this expected to be increasingly significant at the highest elevations.
More snow is expected overnight and through the day, this evening very high up as the freezing level briefly rises to around 950 metres and tomorrow above around 700 metres. Strong winds from the south or south-west, easing slightly during the day will continue to blow snow around with further unstable windslab and cornices forming. Larger areas are now becoming affected on specific aspects and altitudes, not quite ‘widespread’.
Heading up to Coire nan Lochan looking across to some of the more complex ground on the Aonach Eagach ridge.
Little new snow overnight on yesterday’s foot steps, easy going compared to the ‘off path’ areas with deeper cover higher up. Still below coire level at 650 metres.
Arriving in the coire just after the snow started falling late morning. All a bit white up here.
Looking up the west side coire ridge line from Aonach Dubh.
Not obvious on the photo but notable cornices have formed, here on an easterly aspect at 960 metres. Looking back towards Aonach Dubh which is behind the fore ground.
About the best view around the coire I got to enjoy, several climbing parties ‘heard’ rather than seen.
The north facing buttress’s from the west side of the coire.
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