Tour de Helvellyn

[fellgazelle]

Recced the loop from Patterdale today and a big thaw going on. Not too much snow on Grisedale but plenty still on Sticks Pass. Saw the avalance debris that Chris H mentioned but microspikes not required today as the snow was so soft, plenty of post-holing and weak snow bridges though. If the snow melt running down the paths today re-freezes it will make things very interesting indeed!

[Toreador]

If the snow melt running down the paths today re-freezes it will make things very interesting indeed!

Freezing level due to be around 600m for the next few days - sometimes lower, sometimes above the summits, so probably pretty icy by the weekend.
The main worry is the wind - how strong does it have to get before the event is called off?!
Take a look at http://tinyurl.com/c8csey5 - too soon to worry about the detail as it changes every time it's updated, but the one constant is there are some major storms on the way...

[Tom R]

As long as the wind is not too strong this could be a great day out. Do you think its ok to buy a pie or a cake in the little shop in Glenridding on the way through :-)

T

[old un]

Only if u share it tom :-)

[Sasquatch]

Dont eat em all before I get there!

[Don't fear the sweeper]

Only if you buy the pork pies and leave the Bakewell Tarts for me...

[Hank]

Weatherline's current forecast for Saturday:

Strong to gale force northwest winds with heavy showers
falling as snow to 300 metres, occasionally 100 metres.
Some shelter over southern ranges but access to most
hills will be difficult due to snowfall or blowing snow.

I'm definitely bringing the goggles and topping up on the Yorkie bars.

[Toreador]

And for Friday: Severe gale or storm force northerly winds across the ranges with heavy snow above 300 metres and blizzard conditions. Potential for heavy and sustained snow fall over ranges coupled with blowing snow making travelling conditions and access to the hills difficult.

So there'll be some nice deep powder snow to wade through as well

[Mark L]

I guarantee that you'll know what the weather will be like on the day.
I suppose you can believe anything you fancy up to then.

[Hank]

I guarantee that you'll know what the weather will be like on the day.
I suppose you can believe anything you fancy up to then.

Well, I'd like to think I could trot round in shorts and vest, but in the interests of not dying of exposure I think I'll be keeping an eye on the weather forecast!