Mountaineering experts underline need to act on weather and avalanche forecasts.
Following the tragic news of fatalities resulting from an avalanche on Ben Nevis this week, mountain safety experts have issued a reminder to walkers, climbers and backcountry skiers that their enthusiasm should always be tempered by close attention to avalanche and weather forecasts.
Winter is a particularly attractive season to many, but this winter has been frustrating for outdoor enthusiasts, with unseasonably warm conditions in February which saw the snowpack almost disappearing.
Winter has now come back with a vengeance, but the sudden and heavy snowfall combined with lower temperatures and high winds has produced snow conditions that can fluctuate rapidly, as well as rapid changes between hostile and benign weather. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has recorded five avalanches in the West Highlands in the last 48 hours, highlighting the unstable nature of the snowpack.
Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Mountain conditions in February were unusually mild, resulting in the majority of the mountains being snow free. However, over the past few days winter has very much returned.
“When you’re heading up into the hills, whether it’s for walking, climbing or skiing, it’s absolutely essential not only that you check the avalanche forecast but also that you understand what it’s saying. Different slopes on the same hill may have completely different snow conditions.
“A careful study of the mountain weather forecast is also an essential part of your planning, and your planned route should be finalised with that forecast in mind. Something else to be mindful of is being flexible. Don’t become fixated on achieving your original goal. As conditions on the hill change, then so should your decision making.”
Kev Mitchell, Vice Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, said: “We encourage people to make use of all available information, including weather and avalanche forecasts. It is important to plan your day taking into account the conditions, ensure you are prepared to make safe decisions based on the weather and environment you are in and the group you are with.”
Trafford Wilson, CEO of Snowsport Scotland, adds: “Back country skiing and boarding, whether in the mountains or through the glens, offer some amazing opportunities for unforgettable days out.
“But skiing or boarding away from pisted and managed slopes adds a considerable degree of seriousness and people must be sure they are properly equipped and experienced.”
Avalanche forecasts and explanations of how to interpret them can be found at sais.gov.uk
Mountain specific weather forecasts can be found at mwis.org.uk
Photo by Wallace Gilbraith.
