The Big Melt - not all good news
You might think that the end of the white stuff is good news for people to start getting about again, and for races to go ahead. However, an article on the Grough tells us to be extra cautious if you are out there on the hill this weekend, as melting snow on higher ground means the risk of avalanche…
In the Lakes a felltop assessor told the Grough:
Both Striding and Swirral Edges are in full winter condition, however the exits cross windslab – loosely bonded snow – covered with a fresh layer of snow, so great care needs to be taken.
Similarly, gullies are full of windslab and are very unstable. Indeed, there have been reports of avalanches taking place at various Lake District locations. The snowpack has yet to undergo any significant thaw-freeze cycle so steep routes remain extremely hazardous.
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Gwynfor James Jan 15, 08:25 AM
There have also been avalanches in Eryri, have a look:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8458967.stm