April 10 Conditions

Thursday 15th April 2010

Mountain Leader Assessment

This week I was working on a Mountain Leader assessment. I was down in the hills between Schiehallion and Pitlochry were there are some good wild rarely visited hills.

Mike, Gordon, Kate and Fiona were being assessed on there leadership skills in the summer hills. This included navigation during the day and at night.

Thursday 8th April 2010

Sunshine and snow

I was out yesterday having a wander over the Munros immediately West of the Lairig Ghru.

The halo around the sun is a classic sign of an impending front as the high cirrus clouds pass in front of the sun. It was hot in the sun and there was plenty of avalanche and rock fall debris around.

As a high pressure builds from the South it looks like there'll be a good few days of sunshine and cold clear nights. Watch out for collapsing cornices as things warm up.

Monday 5th April 2010

Spring Skiing in the Highlands

With more snow last week the Scottish ski resorts have enjoyed good skiing over the Easter weekend.

Andy sent me these photos of him and Mike skiing Aladdins Couloir in the northern corries. Andy said “Sunday Mike and I were on the pistes till it cleared and then went over to the corries. Did Aladdin's Couloir which was incredible. Really steep and icy at the top, then brilliant fresh snow in the gully proper.”

Remember to check the SAIS website for the avalanche forecast and choose your route with care.