Anybody know what the Ben is looking like at the moment? Are the large cornices which topped of the likes of Smith's Route etc still in place or have they collapsed? I assume the big easier gully climbs are still complete.
In reply to rossn: I would assume judging from affar that there is still tons of snow and potentially some ice left on the ben, I could see it from Glencoe this weekend and even the south side looked very white down to around 1000m, I would expect allot more snow on the north side.
Pretty much easy gullies only as of yesterday. Can't speak for Smiths but there were only a few small isolated patches of ice in Coire na Ciste yesterday.
In reply to rossn:
Briliant alpine day up No 5 gully (completely filled down to scree) and along CMD on Sunday. Castle R certainly clear. NE looks white around 40ft corner area. Was very alpine feel with a few large crashes through the mist during the day as hanging glaciers dumped seracs...well sounded like that. Then about 5pm all cleared to amazing blue and big heat.
redsonja28 May 2013
In reply to rossn: what are conditions like on ledge route?
Not been on it recently, but it tends to thaw out pretty early, with the exception of the approach up No.5 Gully which isn't steep. Obviously this isn't first-hand, but I'd be surprised if you felt the need for winter kit.
In reply to rossn: It was climbed without use of axe or crampons with a little soft snow on 17th May and it has thawed a good bit since then. I expect that the approach up No. 5 would be on snow so best not to go on that after a cold night without being ready for firm spring snow though.The approach can feel steep enough if its firm and you aren't prepared. Tales of summer climbers descending and cutting steps with sharp rocks abound!
In reply to punj: Pics from last weekend on http://alanhalewood.blogspot.co.uk . Mostly dry and sunny this week so should be little change except its been drying. Routes on Carn Dearg away from the big seep on Route 2 were looking dry last sunday.
In reply to AlH: Al, you know the thing about things that look like Hitler? That house and the kettle ad? Well the little badge/logo thing on the top right of your blog page has turned into Adolf and now I can't see it as anything else ...