Lake District

Ground conditions

Date Tuesday 10 February. Location Helvellyn summit at 10:09. Temperature plus 0.6 degC. Maximum wind speed 24.3mph. Wind chill minus 7.2degC. Average wind speed 18.4mph Full report: The thaw continues on Helvellyn through to summit level, there was a little wet snow settling on the plateau but with just a little drop in height this was falling as rain. Despite the damp and murky conditions, older snow above 800m is still very compact, and in many steeper areas, still quite firm neve (snow-ice), in addition to this there are large areas of thick water ice and compacted old snow on the plateau and on the upper section of Swirral Edge. The varied mix of conditions means that whilst some parts of the mountain has lost snow cover, other parts are still very much in winter condition, and all routes to the summit will involve crossing varied snow and ice, therefore we would continue to recommend crampons and an ice axe on the classic edges and on any steep or exposed terrain, and on the easier walking routes, micro-spikes. The remnants of snow and ice are still quite extensive, and a drop in temperature will bring the mountain back into more serious winter condition very quickly, so keep an eye on the freeze-line dropping. The temperatures being only slightly above freezing, whilst the wind-chill remains below are also creating quite uncomfortable conditions where full winter clothing and warm layers, hat and gloves are all essential. The freeze-line is forecast to drop over the coming days, so prepare for a return to more serious winter conditions on the higher fells, wet snow and lying water will re-freeze making things potentially very slippery underfoot and requiring some form of spikes depending on route choice. This is an automated email. If you need a response please email [email protected]