Walker escapes Cairngorm avalanche unharmed

A walker survived an avalanche in the Cairngorms that mountain rescuers described as huge. The Cairngorm Ski Patrol, ranger service and avalanche dog responded to an incident at the head wall of Coire Cas. Initial reports were of someone that had gone through the cornice or had been avalanched. Rescuers were on scene within minutes and found large avalanche debris. After approximately 45 minutes of searching and probing the response was stood down as the missing person was reported safe and well.

The 47 year-old walker went through a cornice triggering the avalanche. The man, whose two friends had in the meantime raised the alarm, managed to walked out to the Cairngorm ski centre car park despite his fall and blizzard conditions.

Willie Anderson, of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, told the BBC that the walker had used his ice axe to slow his descent and had ended up on top of the avalanche debris. Mr Anderson described the avalanche as “huge” saying it was about 150 metres wide and in some places two to three metres deep.

A couple of days earlier avalanche debris was found at Creag Meagaidh. Walkers are urged to check the SAIS avalanche forecast before planning their route and to also report any avalanches to the service.