Big Sunday
4th February 2018
What a great winter’s day! With the combination of a good weather forecast, good winter conditions and a weekend day, meant that there were plenty of people out enjoying themselves. The snowpack is slowly consolidating in the settled conditions. However, I did see evidence of a few avalanches which probably occurred during snowfall on Friday night. Some substantial cornices guard the top of many Easterly aspects.
The North East face of Aonach Beag. Ice has formed, but I would not say the routes are in good condition yet.Â
The South East side of Aonach Mor. Notice the crown wall in the shadow in the centre of the shot. This avalanche likely released during during the snow fall on Friday night.Â
An Cul Choire all looking very Alpine.
The strong sunshine meant it was feeling pretty warm on Southerly aspects. Sunballs and small point releases were noted.
Looking back to Aonach Beag.
It was not sunny all the time, there were a few blobs of cloud about. However this did lead to good optical effects, in this case a brocken spectre.
The Northern side of Coire an Lochan of Aonach Mor. A crown wall is visible below the crags, again probably from the snowfall on Friday night.
Comments on this post
Got something to say? Leave a comment
Jon Eden
4th February 2018 7:57 pm
One great set of photos. Please can it be like this next weekend when I’m there.
lochaberadmin
5th February 2018 2:49 pm
Glad you liked the pictures, I certainly enjoyed taking them. I would also be keen for similar conditions next weekend.
John P Thomas
4th February 2018 11:00 pm
Please explain what is meant by a ‘crown wall’. JT.
lochaberadmin
5th February 2018 2:53 pm
The Crown Wall is the top fracture surface, typically perpendicular to the bed surface, exposed by the tensile fracture along the top of a slab avalanche. The crown wall is often visible from a distance as a line/break running across the slope.
Hope that helps.