Every year, snow-patch enthusiast Iain Cameron conducts a survey of the snow surviving into the summer on the Scottish mountains. This year there’s a bit less than usual.
You might be familiar with Iain Cameron’s spectacular images of snow tunnels and other weird and wonderful formations, which he often posts on Twitter @theiaincameron. Since 2008 he has organised an annual August survey of the snow remaining in the UK.
The 11th annual August snow-patch survey took place between the 18th and 20th of August, and recorded 27 surviving snow patches – the second lowest recorded since the series began in 2008. Various snow patches remain at Garbh Choire Mor, Creag Meagaidh, Aonach Beag, Aonach Mor, Ben Nevis, and Beinn Dearg.
Aonach Beag, 19-08-2018
© Iain Cameron
Garbh Choire Mor, 18-08-2018
© Mick McKie
Iain Cameron told The Great Outdoors: “2018’s annual August snow-patch survey recorded the second lowest total in a series stretching back to 2008. The relatively low amount of patches is a result of snow in winter coming largely from directions other than the west and south-west. These weather systems deposit large amounts of snow in north-through-east facing hollows: traditionally the locations that hold snow longest.
“Aligned to this we have had an exceptionally warm summer, with temperatures consistently above the long-term mean.”
He added on Twitter that the best prospect for a survival – that is, until the next winter season – appears currently to be at Aonach Beag.
In September 2017, Iain Cameron confirmed that the last snow patch in Scotland had melted – the first time there had been no snow left lying anywhere in the UK since 2006. Earlier that summer he accompanied our columnist, outdoor comedian Ed Byrne, on a trip into the Cairngorms looking for the last snow patch.
For a comprehensive photo record of snow patches over the last decade, have a delve in Iain Cameron’s Flickr account.
Header image: Creag Meagaidh, 19-08-2018. Image © Susan Houston.
