Lochnagar
5th March 2021
Covid -19
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The day started with another thick cloud inversion which we finally climbed out of at about 1050 metres. There is something very satisfying at looking across a sea of cloud to see only the highest summits in the area poking through. Luckily for everyone though, the cloud eventually burnt off allowing the sunlight through to the glen.
Very cold conditions overnight and through the morning  – The snow is very firm and icy in places. Confident and competent cramponing skills required on steeper ground. The run-outs are totally unforgiving at the moment.
We did notice that some of the Lochnagar gully exits have snow ‘caves’ at the top, which are the remains of larger cornices that have now broken away – If you stand too close to the edge you may not be on solid ground but rather a snow bridge over a gully.
Very firm and icy snow conditions at present. Looking across the corrie from the top of Black Spout RHB
Atmospheric conditions: Looking across the cliffs as the inversion cloud starts to break up.
Inversion cloud eventually burnt off.
Plenty of very firm snow in Black Spout Right Hand Branch
We seem to have developed some rather large ‘crevasses’ in the area.
The rocks on the West Buttress catch a lot of sunlight. Elsewhere the cliffs are looking much whiter.
Distant views to Beinn a’Bhuird
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Duncan Gray
5th March 2021 7:44 pm
fabulous photos….
scairngormsadmin
6th March 2021 2:09 pm
Fabulous day – made taking photos easy….
roger
5th March 2021 9:37 pm
Great atmospheric photos – could be the alps!