Ice forming in the Red Gill Area on Scafell
It is rare to have so much snow as the Easter holidays approach.
For the experienced this offers some intriguing opportunities for challenging mountaineering objectives, however, there are also hazards and it is important to consider these before venturing above the snow line.
Many will be familiar with the need to carry an ice axe and crampons to prevent or arrest slips on ice and as a general rule it is good to take these whenever there is significant snow on the fells. Much of the snow was hard packed by Sunday, particularly higher up on Scafell Pike and will be getting icier each day this week.
Be aware that mobile phone batteries run down faster in the cold. This seems particularly true for modern smart phones, particularly if you use the GPS or take lots of photos. Make sure your phone is well charged before setting off and/or consider a backup.
Final approach to the summit ridge. In summer this is a narrow gully but the right hand side in the picture is fully banked out.
Finally, walking in deep snow is hard work! Exhaustion and tiredness are possible. Coupled with the cold energy usage is high.
We hope everyone has a safe visit to Wasdale, Eskdale and the rest of the Lakes this coming weekend. The fells are in great condition for winter sports but please consider all the risks before setting off and go well prepared, both equipped and ready to use your head.
The snow readily fractures into blocks when walked on. A classic sign of ‘windslab’
Approach to Mickledore. Many of the normal rock features are buried under snow and close examination of the surface shows a lot of wind blown snow
