Lake District

Ground conditions

Date: Friday 6 March, Location: Helvellyn summit at 12:00, Temperature: minus 1.4C, Maximum wind speed 14.8mph, Wind chill: minus 8.5C, Average wind speed: 12.9mph. Full report: The northern Lake District woke up to a significant but variable snow fall with levels ranging from 450m on Helvellyn, 150m in the Northern Fells and summit level on Fairfield. Visibility was limited but it appeared that the south and west of the National Park had only received snow on the highest summits. The isolated patches of old snow which are predominately to be found on steep N through E aspects above 800m have refrozen and are firm and icy. They are now hidden beneath the new snow, specifically on the exit to Swirral Edge the gully on climbers right contains a long strip of neve covered in new snow above a large drop. This and other areas of old snow are easily avoided if spotted but could be a hazard for the unwary. The new snow was generally soft and was thawing extensively at lower altitudes especially on southerly aspects where it was being exposed to a weak sun. Above 500m it has drifted up to a few inches deep behind features but generally was just a thin covering. The freezing level was around 800m and above this altitude areas of rime (ice feathers) had formed. The forecast for the weekend is fairly mild but with the possibility of valley frosts overnight. This will quickly refreeze the wet new snow and microspikes will be a very sensible addition to your kit for anyone venturing above the snowline even on the easiest of paths. Striding & Swirral Edges were fine in boots today but the forecast drop in temperatures overnight will mean that microspikes will likely be essential for these and other steep and exposed routes. Far better to have the appropriate kit in your bag and not need it rather than scaring yourself and wishing you had it with you!