End of forecasting 25-26
7th April 2026
Just a final update for the 25-26 season.
Been a tough one, certainly from New Year to middle March when conditions were testing. It fantastic to see Winter can still deliver.
Plenty of avalanches, far more than recorded but given the visibility it’s not surprising a lot were found well after they happened.
Currently the snowpack is thawing again and is expected to become patchy relatively quickly. The snow is still very deep in places, and cover is still good particularly in Corries and areas with little exposure to the sun. Been a while since we’ve seen classic Spring like conditions here. As such, potentially expect to see full depth avalanches on steep ground and collapses from around corrie rims. If you see anything interesting please feel free to report through the website.
https://www.sais.gov.uk/report_avalanche/
A massive thanks to all for the support we’ve had.
Mountain Equipment. The SAIS has been well supported by Mountain Equipment for decades. This year was no exception, with additional support from Gore, we so needed this gear over the Winter! I think all the clothing was well tested this year!
https://www.mountain-equipment.com
Braemar Mountain Rescue. The team have believed in the SAIS mission from the start. For 29 years they have hosted the South Cairngorm forecasters at their base, giving us a place to dry out and write reports.
https://www.braemarmountainrescue.org.uk
Glenshee Ski Centre. A massive thanks to the team for the support.
The centre webcam is always a good way to see what is going on. https://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/Webcam
Balmoral Estate. Thanks to the Estate for allowing access to the hills. This saves us time and allows us to get to the areas we need to see.
Mar Lodge Estate.
Again, forecasting would be difficult to deliver here without being able to verify conditions from time to time.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/mar-lodge-estate
Of course thanks for all your comments, great to see so many people out over the season. In particular, thanks to all the regular folks for the heads up, Glenshee Ski Patrol, Invercauld and Balmoral Ranger service, Keith G, Murdo BMRT members, Aberdeen MRT members.
Hopefully we’ll all get to do it again from December!
Team SC
James, Alison, Mike, Heather, Di, Sam and Paul.
A phone pic of a distant Lochnagar. Taken on 6th April 26. Gives an idea of coverage.
Comments on this post
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Callum Horne
7th April 2026 4:48 pm
Thank you for your invaluable service yet again over the winter months, making sure we are all better informed and are able to stay safe. Not only knowing what the avalanche is, your blogs are invaluable for planning trips into the hills and particularly useful to us ski tourers.
Cheers
Callum
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:11 am
thanks Callum!
Gary Brown
7th April 2026 9:10 pm
Hi Guys,
A big thank you to all the team and the team sponsors. You do a vital and great job for all us mountaineers and all members of the public who go up the hills. I have no doubt the reports have saved many lives over the years. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and of course your skill and knowledge!!!!!!!
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:10 am
Thanks Gary.
Craig Shaw
7th April 2026 11:10 pm
Well done for another great seasons reporting . I admire the hard work in challenging conditions you experience every day when no other sane soul would contemplate a day in the hills .
What do you guys do in the summer ?
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:09 am
Hi Craig. As a team we’re all over the place….I’m currently enjoying some sun down in the Lakes. Paul
Judi Hill
8th April 2026 9:01 am
Many thanks all, for your exceptional updates and very useful pictures! I am always recommending this service to folk.
Have a good year!
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:06 am
Thanks for checking in and for spreading the word!
Mark
9th April 2026 8:44 am
Thanks for your hard work and fascinating insights into a world I know next to nothing about.
Much appreciated!
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:04 am
Cheers Mark.
Richard Christie
11th April 2026 7:04 pm
Hello Team SC,
Many thanks for all of your efforts this winter. I’ve enjoyed all of your photos and commentary, and I’ve relied on your invaluable information for the planning of a couple of (glorious) camping and hiking trips in the Cairngorms. You are all stars.
Best Regards,
Richard
scairngormsadmin
27th April 2026 11:03 am
Thanks Richard! See you next season.