Cornices growing
5th January 2026
Conditions were clearer than the last few days which made it a bit easier to see where the avalanche hazard and big cornices currently are. The photos below hopefully give some idea of what’s where at the moment along with some more general views showing snow cover. It was a pleasant day to be out with fairly light winds and lots of sunshine although there was a bit of thin cloud around the summits. It was also very cold.
It’s all change tomorrow with stronger South-Westerly winds, snow on the mountains, and rain at lower elevations – don’t expect so many photos!
Cornices on Aonach Mor to start with:
Cornices East of climbers col. I think that the light in this photo makes them look bigger than they are, but they are still significant cornices in a fairly unusual location caused by persistent North and North-Westerly winds.
Cornices above Coire an Lochan.
More cornices above Coire an Lochan.
Easy Gully cornice looking North.
A large cornice above Easy Gully.
Some more general shots from high on Aonach Mor:
Coire Dubh starting to fill in.
Looking from Spikes towards Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag.
Plenty of snow on the Aonach Mor summit plateau. This will potentially be redistributed by stronger winds tomorrow onto sheltered North to East aspects.
A fog bow.
Lots of rime.
Drifts in the lee of snow fences. This is at 1100 metres Less drifting at lower elevations.
Some views of more distant mountains:
Looking West along Loch Eil.
Carn Mor Dearg with Ben Nevis behind.
Looking across Loch Lochy to the hills beyond.
Photos from the valley:
Carn Mor Dearg Arete and Ben Nevis
The West face of Aonach Mor.
And finally today’s wildlife:
Chest deep snow for a ptarmigan.
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