Snowdonia National Park Authority Wardens have warned mountaineers to exercise caution while the snowy conditions continue.
Important update:
The quote previously attributed to George Jones by Snowdonia National Park Authority has been removed. It has been brought to our attention by Llanberis Mountain Rescue that this statement was never made by them. We apologise for the miscommunication.
“The original press release was prepared with minimal input by us and the quote was not provided by us,” said Gruff Owen, Llanberis MRT. “Our preference is to share safety information and give hill-goers the information that they need to stay safe and have an enjoyable time in the mountains. We would never suggest that people stay away from the mountains in a blanket statement like this one.”
While The Great Outdoors recommends that experienced mountain-goers continue to use their own judgement in gauging mountain conditions, Snowdonia National Park Authority has advised that “in these conditions mountaineers should stay off the slopes of Snowdon and other peaks until the Met Office’s red warning for snow conditions, which is the most severe warning, has been downgraded. Once conditions have improved, anyone who ventures onto the hills must have the appropriate experience and skills and all the necessary equipment.”
For those unfamiliar with the mountain, the paths are difficult to navigate, and one wrong step could prove fatal. If walkers are not wearing appropriate clothing that can withstand such cold and harsh conditions, hypothermia is an additional threat.
Adam Daniel, the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Head of Wardens Service stated: “Although Snowdonia’s snow-covered mountains are very pretty to look at, conditions on the ground itself is extremely dangerous. We kindly ask those who are thinking about going out in these conditions to seriously consider if they are willing to put their own lives and others’ at risk.”
The National Park Authority provides a ground condition monitoring service on Snowdon. Information can be accessed by following the bilingual @snowdonweather Twitter account, or the same information is available on the Mountain Weather section of the Met Office website.
