FELLTOP CONDITIONS REPORT from Helvellyn at 1400 on Wednesday 3rd March 2010.
There is little snow or ice on paths below 450m. Above 450m, the snow depth increases with height to over 100cm in drifts, even on the summit plateau. At lower levels, large sections of paths are covered with compacted snow and ice. Higher up, recent westerly winds have deposited loose windslab on north-east to south-east facing slopes. In places this loose snow is lying on more compacted neve and is potentially unstable. Both Striding and Swirral Edge are in full winter condition, with loose snow on the steep exit ramps, and should only be negotiated by the experienced. Large cornices along the summit ridges are also heavily loaded, so please keep well back from the edge.
Full winter clothing, footwear and equipment including ice axe and crampons are essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells and going above the snowline. The deep snow covering all paths, combined with low cloud can make navigation at altitude challenging, so good navigation skills are essential, as is the ability to assess your route carefully and be prepared to turn back when necessary. Several upland tarns, including Red Tarn, have frozen and are hidden under a blanket of snow, so best to keep well back from the edges.
Summit statistics from Helvellyn at 1400:Temperature: minus 0.6 c Wind chill: minus 7.0 c Max wind speed: 13.7 mph Average wind speed: 11.8 mph (southerly)
Lowey that webcam is from 2nd November. I can see a reasonable amount of snow on the hills from my bathroom window in Lancaster 🙂
