Carn Mor Dearg
3rd December 2020
Covid-19
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service would recommend that those wishing to enjoy the winter mountains refer to Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Government advice regarding Covid-19 and outdoor activities.
Today I had a wander up towards, but not quite to the top of, Carn Mor Dearg. The views were pretty good at first with cloud building and then engulfing Ben Nevis. It did clear up again during the afternoon. Overnight snow showers have left the hills looking a fair bit whiter than yesterday. In general there is little depth to the fresh snow and in most places it is sitting on bare ground. However, in a few locations, such as the top of higher gullies, there is a layer of fresh windslab sitting on top of the old hard refrozen snowpack. Although localised, these areas can be quite unstable, avalanche debris from last night was visible. The tops of higher slopes and gullies should be treated therefor be treated with some caution as in the current early season conditions even a small slide has the potential to run out into rocky ground and thus be very serious.
Ben Nevis around 9.30am, cloud starting to build on the summit.
Ben Nevis from a bit higher up the hillside with the cloud continuing to build. The mountain soon disappeared into the cloud. The cloud did however clear again during the afternoon.
Fresh snow at my high point, the little summit at around 1080m between Carn Beag Dearg and Carn Dearg Meadhonach with the latter disappearing into the cloud in the background.
A small natural avalanche had occurred overnight. The flat light meant the full extent of the debris was hard to see so I have outlined it.
It briefly tried to clear just before I left. Three people can be seen heading up Carn Dearg Meadhonach.
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Martin
5th December 2020 7:14 am
Great to see the forecasts and blogs up and running again, especially for those of us stuck in the flatlands due to the current travel restrictions. A very welcome window onto the hills. All the best for the coming season.