FOR ONE DAY ONLY

Simon on the Fiacaill 

Coire an t-Sneachda 

Fresh snow at all levels

Full snow cover on the plateau 

Sun breaking through 

Cloud lifting just in time for the views

Cairn Gorm from  top of Alladin's Couloir 

Carn Etchachan & Ben Macdui

Fiacaill Coire Sneachda 

Clear skies after the snow showers

It has been almost constant snowfall on the Cairngorms and much of the Highlands the last two or three days. We have had snow down to Aviemore level most of this period. Some strong winds and very poor visibility up high. So today was to be the best weather day of the week. It goes without saying that the Avalanche risk has rise on many aspects with heavy drifts and big volumes of fresh snow. No melt/ freeze cycles in this period. Trail breaking into Coire an t-Sneachda this morning wasn't as bad as expected. There had been one or two folk out in front but it seemed very quiet considering it's still Easter holidays. Of course ridges are always the best choice in these conditions. Once on the foot of the Fiacaill Coire Sneachda it was much easier going. The ridge was wind scoured with the old frozen snow exposed. Above 900m we were in the cloud. Then around mid-day we received a 30 minute snow shower. It didn't look like we were going to get our views today. Of course the weather in the mountains can change dramatically, within minutes the cloud lifted and we got some sun. The ridge was deserted so breaking trail on some of the sections. Massive build up of deep snow on the Western slopes below the crest . Up on the plateau and it's full winter cover. Some deep drifts here too. The last few weeks I've been descending from the Fiacaill Coire Cas ridge back into the Northern Corries path via it's Western slopes. There is so much snow here this winter and a very easy descent,  avoiding all the busy skiing area. By mid afternoon the sun was in full Force and a beautiful end to the day. Apparently it's going to be more like Spring temperatures next week.