atlantic low passing through

Sat, Jan 10, 2009

I was hoping to get across to the Northern Corries of Cairngorm this weekend for some winter climbing but a passing Atlantic depression has put paid to that. Latest is, the Cairngom road is closed as the wind at the car park is 70mph, with storm damage to buildings and at the top of the funicular it’s blasting in excess of 100mph. Not sure just how bad it is as the weather gear has packed up apparently. The storm force winds are coming from the SW, which is loading N-NE facing slopes with dangerous accumulations of windslab and SAIS has issued AvCat 3 (considerable), with gullies especially prone to avalanche. Add to that heavy rain at all levels later today and it’s not looking too good. A dram, a book and light the fire methinks!

Forecast is saying there’s another storm due to hit on Wednesday but much colder, with lots of snow on the hills. Coupled with the freeze-thaw conditions, it could be building up some good snow in the corries for later in the month.

UPDATE 12/1/09 110mph winds on Snowdon during the storm and eight rescuers injured. [source]