Fell Top Conditions Report - Nov 25th 2010
Went up to the summit of Helvellyn again last night, this time with Nicola for a walk. We set off from Wythburn carpark about 7.30pm, with very cold Northerly winds blowning along Thirlmere, the tree's in the planted woodland offered good cover from the wind, but once on the fell it was biting. Ice on the path from about 100m on from where we left the woodland, but we didn't reach proper snow until we got to about 750m, but this was a different aspect to Sunday night, so I am sure the drifts are still in place on the walk up from Swirls carpark. Cloud decended as we came round the west flank of Nethermost Pike & we summited Helvellyn in white out, but no snow falling. The top of Helvellyn is hardpacked snow & icey in places, due to melt from the sun. Exposed rock is hoared up & I had a better look at the building cornice, which looks stable & not so built up as it appeared on Sunday.
As we descended from the summit trig point, the cloud started to clear & we took in amazing views of Red Tarn through wreathed mist/cloud. Walking down towards Striding Edge the cloud cleared fully to show the ridge line in all its glory, bathed in moonlight. Very magical. There was significant drifted snow to the exit of Striding Edge (and I imagine it will be the same with Swirral) & the ridge itself was dusted with drifted snow on the northerly side, but alot less on the southerly aspect. Axe & crampon definately needed for those wishing to make a traverse of the ridgeline, which will be fantastic in the weather conditions we have at present, as the final slope will be dangerous with out.
I didn't get a proper look at the face of Helvellyn, as it was bitterly cold & late in the day. Snow was lying/plastered to the ground, along the ridge running towards Dollywagon Pike. Looking out across the fells to the west, the moonlight showed little snow cover. All turf above 750m seemed to be fully frozen & care should be taken on all mountain paths due to frozen run off. This is definately Kahtoola Microspikes conditions at present. Planning Outlook from MWIS: Planning Outlook: All mountain areas of Britain from Friday, 26th November, 2010 Persistent cold for a week to 10 days - and perhaps a fortnight. Terrain will be frozen from valleys upwards (with hard frosts in valleys by the weekend). Snow showers will affect primarily eastern and northern mountains, where occasionally these will cluster together to give several hours of persistent snow. At present, from Saturday onwards, it is very difficult to position these clusters, and thus at this stage the detail in Saturday's forecast is speculative. By the end of the weekend, there will have been considerable snowfall on the northern NW Highlands, the eastern Highlands, Borders, northern Pennines and the Snowdon area, and at least a dusting on almost all areas.
