Sooooo Close 12 Dec 2010
Sadly it looks as though the thaw was slightly too fierce resulting in what I would call Alpine spring conditions rather than full winter. Any thin covering of snow has been removed but huge swathes are rapidly turning to neve. I’m only able to comment on what I have seen from the ground today but will get up for a look tomorrow. It is certainly cold enough with a heavy frost remaining in any shade even at sea-level today.
COIRE NA BANACHDAICH TODAY
In my experience of such conditions the crest of the Ridge remains far more wintry than it appears from below. My educated guess is that crampons would be left on and scratching on rocky surfaces for less than 10% of the whole 12km length.
Neve on approaches, descents and long sections should make for very fast travel; the forecast is for high pressure to remain and I doubt anyone attempting it will be disappointed. Snow will be falling heavily by the end of Wednesday and full-on winter will be back with us from then on virtually to Xmas.
SLIGACHAN VIEW 2pm TODAY.
More tomorrow, Mike
