Fell-top conditions

FELLTOP CONDITIONS REPORT from Helvellyn at 1.00pm on Thursday 17th December 2009.Fresh snow has fallen at all levels although it is rapidly thawing below 400m. Above 400m the snow depth increases with height to reach 5cm in drifts. Especially above 600m, paths and rocks are covered in verglas (thin ice). Frequently this ice is covered by a thin layer of snow making the going difficult even on well established paths such as those climbing Helvellyn from Thirlmere. Full winter clothing, footwear and equipment are essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells. For those going above the snow line and attempting steep routes or traversing steep ground an ice axe is strongly recommended and crampons should be carried in case the fresh snow gets deeper and freezes. Currently, no winter climbs are in condition and attempting them will result in environmental damage to sensitive upland vegetation. Summit statistics today (these are taken when the Fell Top Assessor is on the summit, they do not represent max/min figures for the past 24 hours). Temperature, minus 4.6C. Wind chill, minus 14.7C. Max wind speed, 30.1 mph. Average wind speed, 22.4 mph.

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