Lake District

Ground conditions

Date: Wednesday 25 February Location: Helvellyn summit at 09:50 Full report: Fog, Mist & Drizzle. A drab day at all levels across the fells. Fog became entrenched over the southern half of the Lake District, accompanied by relatively mild temperatures for late February and little wind to disperse it. Further north-east in the National Park, the morning began marginally brighter but had deteriorated by lunchtime into mist and drizzle at valley level. Higher elevations fared no better, with low cloud and horizontal rain driven in on a south-westerly Atlantic airflow. A persistent strong breeze was present across Helvellyn - very much a head-down, hood-up sort of day. Helvellyn revealed little of any remaining snow cover, with only brief glimpses of thin, old strips and runnels on the headwall above Red Tarn. Swirral Edge was ascended and descended without the need for microspikes for the first time in a while, although a few stubborn patches remain. Hard, persistent ice along the margins of small snow patches requires careful footwork to avoid, involving short sections of awkward rock hopping - or the option of fitting microspikes to cross safely. A final isolated snow patch on the summit plateau, along with sagging cornice remnants on corrie rims, can all be easily avoided. Although snow cover is now marginal, conditions remain winter-like. Poor visibility makes route-finding challenging, and confident navigation skills are essential. Comfort and safety will be greatly improved by carrying full waterproofs, wearing sturdy mountain boots, warm layers, with spare hats and gloves. It is also prudent to carry basic emergency equipment such as a first aid kit, a survival shelter, and a fully charged and well protected mobile phone. If no phone signal is available blow six times in a minute on a whistle to draw attention if needs be. Temperature: plus 4C, Maximum wind speed 23.4mph, Wind chill: minus 2.3C, Average wind speed: 21.1mph