Fell Top Conditions on Friday 15 February

Readings from Helvellyn summit at 12:35

Temperature plus 5.2°C Maximum wind speed 27.5mph Wind chill minus 1.1°C Average wind speed 20.3mph Wind direction SW

The thaw continues – it was a ridiculous (for February!) plus 5 degrees on the summit around midday. There is no snow below 700m. Between 700m and 850m only patches of snow remain which are found in sheltered spots and hollows and are easily avoidable. Above 850m, the frequency and depth of such snow patches increases with altitude although large areas of the fells up to, and including, summit level are now free from snow. The majority of the remaining snow lies on E and N facing slopes and in sheltered gullies and, as such, is generally avoidable with two notable exceptions – namely the exits to both Striding end especially Swirral Edges.

There was more snow along Swirral Edge whereas Striding Edge was simply dry, bare rock. However, both exits are guarded by banks of steep, unavoidable snow. This was quite soft on Striding Edge (although it might not be on Saturday), whereas it was hard snow on Swirral. Several people were negotiating these sections without winter equipment and it is possible to do so BUT it would not be possible to stop a fall on steep, hard snow without an ice axe hence our strong recommendation is that an ice axe remains essential for anyone tackling the edges and crampons should be carried. Although it’s only for a very short section it’s not a place to slip and, owing to the snow’s height, depth and east facing nature, it will probably be the last snow to thaw in the Lakes.

With the thaw the, albeit small, cornices situated above SE to E to N facing slopes are even more unstable, so please keep well back from such edges and advice those with less experience to do likewise.

Despite the Spring-like conditions in the valleys, the summit windchill remains below freezing, so full winter clothing (waterproofs, plenty of warm layers, hat & gloves), footwear and equipment are essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells.

Climbers – although there’s still snow in the gullies, it’s very soft and damage will be done to fragile alpine plants in the, hopefully unlikely, event that any routes be attempted.

For those interested in the weather stats, the wind was stronger (over 30mph) on the ascent and descent compared with the summit.

Lake District weather forecast for Saturday 16 February

Issued: 15 February at 17:18

Mainly dry but windy day on the tops with low cloud at times. Patchy rain later.

Lake District Weather

Cloud and patchy rain overnight clearing by dawn. A dry day with bright or sunny intervals, these most prolonged towards Blencathra and Ullswater with more cloud over southern and western fells. Patchy rain or drizzle spreads north early in the evening, mostly light in nature.

Visibility

Mainly good through the day under the cloud base but more generally poor early evening as cloud lowers and patchy rain arrives.

Cloud Free Hill Top

30% in southwest, 70% in northeast. Frequent cloud above 500 or 600m in the southwest but patchier cloud with higher bases in the northeast. Best chance over ranges north and east of Helvellyn. Becoming 10% early evening with extensive cloud developing above 500m.

Saturday's forecast:

Time	00:00 - 03:00	03:00 - 06:00	06:00 - 09:00	09:00 - 12:00	12:00 - 15:00	15:00 - 18:00
Chance of precipitation	60%	30%	10%	10%	10%	20%
At Valley
Temp	9	8	8	8	9	9
Wind (mph)	17	16	14	12	13	12
Max gusts (mph)	41	38	33	28	29	27
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S
At 300m
Temp	7	6	6	6	6	7
Wind (mph)	17	17	14	12	14	12
Max gusts (mph)	45	42	37	30	33	30
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S
At 600m
Temp	5	4	4	4	4	4
Wind (mph)	38	36	30	25	26	24
Max gusts (mph)	54	51	43	35	37	34
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S
At 900m
Temp	4	2	2	2	2	2
Wind (mph)	46	43	36	29	30	29
Max gusts (mph)	60	56	48	39	41	39
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S

Daylight

Time in Glenridding:

Provided by time.is

An overview to the weather in the Lake District

Summer:

The summer season in the Lake District actually runs from March to October. The driest period runs between March and June.

The weather is renowned for changing rapidly and rainfall is a predominant feature. The wettest area in the Lake District is known as Sprinkling Tarn which receives approximately 5000mm of rainfall every year!

Winter:

The wettest months run from October to January.

Snowfall typically falls from November to March. The valleys of the Lake District receive around 20 days of snow and 200 days of rain per year.

Winter is actually a beautiful time of year to enjoy the spectacular views.

It’s important to stay safe during the Winter period, especially if you are considering exploring the fells. If you’re a fan of the Lake District in Winter, why not register on one of our Winter Skills Courses? Learn more