Coire Na Banachdich, 28th December
I went for a trot up to Banachdich Gully this morning to investigate snow and ice conditions. It was a slightly delayed start as I listened to the coverage of a certain game of cricket before leaving. (This is Matt writing, not Mike, if anyone is feeling confused by this comment)
Banachdich Gully
The Glen Brittle road is completely clear now and the snow line on the Cuillin has retreated to about 1500 feet, though there are still patches of ice clinging on in various sheltered spots right down to sea-level. The snow pack was very firm in places and in other places such as the bottom of the gully and stream beds I was almost thigh deep. It was perfect snow for glissading and reasonably solid to walk on given careful route choice.
Main ice pitch of Banachdich Gully
There was a lot of ice and snow around the Coire and all the gully lines above 1500 feet that I saw here and elsewhere along the ridge seemed complete. In addition there is still stacks of ice hanging on in all the drainage lines. The melt is in full flow right now but if the freezing level drops on Thursday and stays down then we could be in for a right treat…
Waterpipe Gully flanked by Coire a Tairneilear and Coire a Mhadaidh
Cloud over Bruach Na Frithe
