Lake District

Ground conditions

Date: Tuesday 17 February, Location: Scafell Pike summit cairn (978m) at 10:00, Temperature: minus 6.3°C, Maximum wind speed 39.3mph,Wind chill: minus 18.2°C, Average wind speed: 33.7mph, Full report: Stunning conditions, blue skies Superb winter conditions underfoot combined with clear skies delivered a glorious day across the Lake District National Park on Tuesday. Observations and measurements were taken from the summit of Scafell Pike (978m), with remarkably clear views stretching across to Helvellyn, the Isle of Man and northwards into Scotland. High cloud gradually spread in later in the afternoon, but visibility remained excellent. With freezing temperatures at valley level, water ice was present on paths from the outset. Fortunately, cobbled sections and rocky ground remained bone dry, allowing straightforward avoidance. A light dusting of fresh snow from Monday night had settled down to around 400m, with continuous cover above 500m. Here, fresh snow overlays an older, hard frozen base. This firm névé extends to the summits of the Central Fells and is likely widespread across all higher ground. Drifted windslab has blow in to south-facing terrain, particularly behind boulders, in hollows and scoops, reaching depths of upto 50cm in places. This is well consolidated. Careful route choice favouring scoured, firm névé provided the best walking conditions. Moving away from infilled paths often made sense to avoid areas of breakable crust within the newer snow deposits. A bitterly cold northerly wind dominated the morning. With an air temperature of -6.3°C on the summit of Scafell Pike and strong wind speeds, exposed skin cooled rapidly. Rime ice (feathered formations growing into the wind) was evident on any rock projections and summit features. Micro-spikes or crampons significantly improved both efficiency and security when crossing hard snowfields. The final ascent ridge to Scafell Pike from Broad Crag col has an exposed run-out into rocky ground below and warrants particular care in firm conditions. No cornices were observed in the Scafell range today, though they are likely to be more evident on the Helvellyn coves. Wednesday's forecast suggests similar underfoot conditions across the county. However, with wind speeds forecast up to 55mph, walking conditions will become challenging, with a genuine risk of being buffeted and blown off balance. This further reinforces the need for appropriate spikes, ice axes where terrain justifies or walking poles for stability. Full winter clothing and equipment remain essential. These are superb winter conditions - and they demand full respect.