Coire Fionn
27th February 2025
A nice day in the Southern Cairngorms once again. Spring in the glens, but clearly still winter aloft. In fact, the snow distribution is very spring like, but to describe the situation as a spring snowpack would be a misrepresentation. It is still cold in relative terms, with isolated windslab persisting around coire rims along with firm neve elsewhere.
For those particularly interested in snow science in shaded areas the light fresh snow overlies firm neve. This gives a vapour source, an artificially steep temperature gradient, due to the shallow snowpack and space in the low density snow. Unsurprisingly, that equals near surface facet development. Crystals that exhibit poor cohesion in some cases. When buried in the snowpack these may provide a weak layer.
They are of little consequence and are likely to disappear tomorrow, but might be of interest to those who want to examine them under a magnifier. The Avalanche Hazard remains Low.
A zoomed in image from yesterday’s blog. Thanks for all the comments, there was a bit of debate as to whether this was a Golden Eagle or a White Tailed Eagle. On balance the White Tailed Eagle seemed to be the favourite. Perhaps this will settle it?…
This firm neve was covered with a dusting of light fresh snow. Seen here at about 750 metres.
Looking north, left to right: Beinn Bhrotain (left obscured by cloud), Cairn Toul and the bowl of Coire an t-Saighdeir, Garbh Coire and Coire Bhrochain on Braeriach, Ben MacDui, Coire Sputan Dearg and Derry Cairngorm (right).
Signage: Semiotics or Human Factors and Ergonomics? An interesting example of Coire Fionn being simultaneously both on the left and/or the right. A bit like Neo in ‘The Matrix’ with the red pill and the blue pill. Do you choose the harsh reality of the Scottish Winter, or remain blissfully unaware of changing climate and continue in a simulated world of perfect conditions…?
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That Guy From The Internet
27th February 2025 5:31 pm
Must assume you’re Morpheus..?
scairngormsadmin
27th February 2025 5:52 pm
I will leave that for debate…
Mike A
28th February 2025 12:02 pm
I was definitely wrong on the Golden ID.