{"id":19431,"date":"2019-03-14T15:33:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-14T15:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=19431"},"modified":"2019-03-14T15:35:00","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T15:35:00","slug":"hillwalkers-reminded-to-check-avalanche-and-weather-forecasts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/hillwalkers-reminded-to-check-avalanche-and-weather-forecasts\/","title":{"rendered":"Hillwalkers reminded to check avalanche and weather forecasts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Following\nthe tragic news of fatalities resulting from an avalanche on Ben\nNevis this week, mountain safety experts have issued a reminder to\nwalkers, climbers and backcountry skiers that their enthusiasm should\nalways be tempered by close attention to avalanche and weather\nforecasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter is a particularly attractive season to many, with snow and ice adding an extra dimension to their activities, however this winter has been frustrating for outdoor enthusiasts, with unseasonably warm conditions in February which saw the snowpack almost disappearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Buachaille Etive Mor<\/a> seen in full winter conditions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winter\nhas now come back with a vengeance, but the sudden and heavy\nsnowfall, combined with lower temperatures and high winds has\nproduced snow conditions that can fluctuate rapidly, as well as rapid\nchanges between hostile and benign weather. The Scottish Avalanche\nInformation Service (SAIS) has recorded five avalanches in the West\nHighlands in the last 48 hours, highlighting the unstable nature of\nthe snowpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heather\nMorning, Mountain Safety Adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said:\n\u201cMountain conditions in Feb were unusually mild, resulting in the\nmajority of the mountains being snow free. However, over the past few\ndays winter has very much returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen\nyou\u2019re heading up into the hills, whether it\u2019s for walking,\nclimbing or skiing, it\u2019s absolutely essential not only that you\ncheck the avalanche forecast but also that you understand what it\u2019s\nsaying. Different slopes on the same hill may have completely\ndifferent snow conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA\ncareful study of the mountain weather forecast is also an essential\npart of your planning, and your planned route should be finalised\nwith that forecast in mind. Something else to be mindful of is being\nflexible. Don\u2019t become fixated on achieving your original goal. As\nconditions on the hill change, then so should your decision making.\nOften I end up on Plan B, C or D as my journey on the hill\nprogresses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kev\nMitchell, Vice Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue said: \u201cWe\nencourage people to make use of all available information, including\nweather and avalanche forecasts. It is important to plan\nyour day taking into account the conditions, ensure you are\nprepared to make safe decisions based on the weather and\nenvironment you are in and the group you are with.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trafford\nWilson, CEO of Snowsport Scotland, said: \u201cBack country skiing and\nboarding, whether in the mountains or through the glens, offer some\namazing opportunities for unforgettable days out, and it\u2019s\nencouraging to see so many people taking up the challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut skiing or boarding away from pisted and managed slopes adds a considerable degree of seriousness and people must be sure they are properly equipped and experienced<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avalanche\nforecasts and explanations of how to interpret them can be found at\nwww.sais.gov.uk<\/a>\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mountain\nspecific weather forecasts can be found at www.mwis.org.uk<\/a>\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Following the tragic news of fatalities resulting from an avalanche on Ben Nevis this week, mountain safety experts have issued a reminder to walkers, climbers and backcountry skiers that their enthusiasm should always be tempered by close attention to avalanche and weather forecasts. <\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/div>\n

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