Could be slow going tomorrow?!Originally Posted by Hank
Could be slow going tomorrow?!
Hmmm... probably! I'm interested to see what that first section is like outside of Askham down to Ullswater... although it's low level it's open fell. If the snow's accumulated there it could be hard work and potentially tricky to navigate in the dark. Certainly going to be plenty of snow around the Helvellyn ridge.
was out on seat sandal and steel fell this morning. looks very white over main fells and is pretty hard going where in lee of wind. main snow level is above 450m. below that its pretty superficial. knee deep where drifted, otherwise 15-20cm. getting a slightly crusty though which makes it hard work, even downhill. good for a workout!
Was up at 1,200 ft east and north of Staveley this morning; only superficial snow up to this level. Glorious inversion with the snow covered Coniston Fells on the horizon.
Border crack and deek about (for those of a southerly disposition thats the border/ITV local news) were saying drifts of 2-3m by the ski tow on Raise today.
No obvious new snow overnight on Wansfell - the light covering that was visible lower down has largely gone, but there is still some snow higher up. No wind, patches of blue sky. According to BBC Travel News the Kirkstone Pass is now open.
Last edited by Mike T; 17-12-2011 at 09:21 AM.
Fairfield Horseshoe today.
Snow level approx 250 - 300m.
Areas of soft wind-deposited snow, deep drifts in hollows / against walls. Windslab / breakable crust forming in many areas.
Areas of old very hard snow with icy patches developing where new snow has been blasted away by the wind on ridge tops / plateau areas.
Paths below 400m becoming 'mushy', so there could well be much more ice about after tonight's freeze.
Carried Kahtoolas and a short axe, but didn't get either out of the sack.
Very similar conditions on the Crinkles. Ascent/descent (via Red Tarn/The Band) both had tricky icy sections between being clear and being snow covered, but detours were easy and the microspikes stayed in my pack. I doubt there has been any fresh snow overnight, it is just that what is there - plenty - has been blown about, meaning there were very few print trails in the snow. Glorious sunshine throughout; surprisingly few people up there.
Anyone been up on the Coniston fells this week please? Or Kentmere round sort of area?
Poacher turned game-keeper
Nope, but forecasted temps of 4-6c at 750m for Saturday suggest you'll get chilly wet toes.
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