Southern Cairngorms Blog & Mountain Info

Superb Visibility

15th April 2021

Covid -19

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service issues information to support permitted activity under current Scottish Government guidance.

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions inÂ Local AuthorityÂ areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring toÂ Scottish Government guidanceÂ and safe route choices for exercise. For further guidance please refer to the following information forÂ hillwalkers and climbersÂ andÂ snowsports on ski and board.

This blog is intended to provide hazard and mountain condition information to help plan safer mountain trips.

Another stunning day with absolutely calm conditions on Ben Macdui this morning. Sunglasses and suncream were essential as the sun reflecting off the snow was intense. There is generally good cover above 1000 metres on these high mountains. With high pressure in place, the mornings are cold with icy paths and tracks. The snow firms up overnight and then gradually it softens in the direct sunlight on South facing slopes. The shady Northerly aspects tend to be firmer. The high pressure is set to remain for the next twenty-four hour period….

The view West from Ben Macdui – From Cairn Toul on the left to Braeriach on the right.

Sgor an Lochain Uaine (1258m)…Excellent views to further West

The Devil’s Point (1004m) with big brother Beinn Bhrotain (1108m) behind. The ridge of Carn a’Mhaim (1037m) in the foreground.

Good cover from Beinn Macduibh (1309m) north to Cairn Lochan (1215m).

Total respect for any creature which manages to live at 1300m – Snow Bunting on the Ben Macdui summit cairn.

With excellent visibility today this stone was really useful for identifying all the peaks which were in view.

If you carried it in – Carry it out – It’s lighter now than when you started! Â If you find it and can safely do so – carry it out.

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