Fell Top Conditions on Wednesday 27 January

Readings from Nethermost Pike summit at 11:19

Temperature plus 2.2°C Maximum wind speed 11.5mph Wind chill minus 2.7°C Average wind speed 9.8mph Wind direction WNW

We are continuing to provide the Fell Top Reports for people undertaking their daily exercise during the lockdown.

We would like to remind everyone that Government guidance stipulates that people should only exercise locally.

Here is today's report:

A cloudy day with light winds and thawing conditions at all levels up to and including the highest tops.

The snowline has retreated back up the hill to around 500m and most of the snow encountered today was soft, sugary, and wet.

Ice is present on paths (particularly at mid-altitude), where snow has previously been compacted by walkers and refrozen.

Older patches of névé (old refrozen snow) are quite resistant to the thawing conditions at higher elevations and are still quite firm.

Snow distribution is now quite marked, with many south and west-facing slopes being a patchwork of snow and exposed ground. Deep drifts (over 1 metre in places) are still present in many sheltered areas on these aspects.

The greatest accumulations of snow are to be found on steep north through east-facing aspects where significant quantities remain.

Large cornices (snow overhangs) have been seen in these locations (around corrie rims) over the last few days, and in the milder temperatures, they will be extremely unstable.

These are a considerable hazard to walkers as they are generally found above steep, craggy ground and in close proximity to many of the paths, as well as the trig point on Helvellyn.

Walking too close to, or onto a cornice could cause it to collapse, potentially taking a person with it. Please give them a wide berth.

It will only take a marginal drop in temperature overnight for the remaining wet snow to refreeze.

Anyone venturing above the snowline tomorrow should anticipate large unavoidable areas of hard refrozen snow.

Steep and exposed routes such as Striding and Swirral edge are both serious propositions at the moment and should only be attempted by those with sufficient winter mountaineering experience.

For anyone venturing into the fells, full winter clothing (waterproofs, extra warm layers, hat & gloves), mountain boots, and additional items including a map and compass and goggles (for navigating in windy conditions) are all essential.

For those considering routes on steep and exposed terrain, an ice axe and crampons are also essential. Walking poles and microspikes are also very useful.

Please be conservative with your plans and know your limits.

Guidance is not to travel into this area from other areas and to exercise locally.

• Keep within your limits, walking in winter conditions takes longer than in summer.
• Be flexible, you may need to turn back, or choose a lower level walk.
• The weather on the felltops will be far colder and windier than at the bottom. Take extra layers, warm drinks, a torch, and a map and compass - and know how to use them.
• It gets dark before 4pm, when you need to be down from the felltops.