UKC

Hi
First time on here, I am going to patterdale on Sunday for a few days and want to do a few winter ascents/gulleys any suggestions heard that red tarn gulley 2 is reasonable. Any suggestion help also only have a is made so how will I identify it. Thanks for any help given

In reply to Jimsmith:

http://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/home

keep an eye on the conditions, unstable snow reported.

Davey

In reply to Jimsmith:
http://www.summitpost.org/helvellyn-no-2-gully/889486

You will find all info in a guide book!! Have you climbed before Jim? If this is the case i would not go climbing anywhere without someone who has experience of climbing with novices. This would be irresponsible and very dangerous. Winter climbing is nothing like summer climbing. From what i have read on the internet for Helvellgn or any of the highest tops, they are not cold enough yet for winter climbing especially after an acluded weather front and a thaw has just hit the UK.!! Think about it Jim....before you hurt yourself

see the comments made on Lakes winter conditions using the link below:

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=632770

In reply to Jimsmith:
Done a few winter climbs only low grades in Scotland also a couple in the lakes and France, last minute thing so not had chance to get a guide book, done lots of winter walks in snow including sharp edge and striding swirrel edge
Thanks for replies/comments

In reply to Jimsmith:

Looking at the weather that Mountain Llama posted I'd guess its all going to be either gone, or wet, sloshy and deep.

In reply to Jimsmith:

Jim, one of the many skills of winter mountaineering is the abilty to assess weather and snow conditions and hence avalanche risk in the days leading up to your climb and make a decision to do something less hazardous.

In reply to Jimsmith:

The snow is thawing and wet/slushy, read the "Ground Conditions" section of the forecast here:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/mountain-forecasts/lake-district...
Looking at the forecast its not likely to freeze properly until about Thursday.
Take an axe and crampons but go for a walk, Stridng/Swirral Edge or Sharp Edge might provide some fun but gullies are likely to be unpleasant at best and possibly dangerous with cornice collapse possible in the thaw.

In reply to Jimsmith:

It's a categoric no from me. Even when it was cold last week the gullies on Helvellyn and other north east facing coves in the range weren't in condition as there was unconsolidated powder over unfrozenturf. That turf will still be unfrozen as the snow will have insulated it - and now it will be really wet. There are also the arctic alpine plant refuges in these gullies that will be damaged so as Pec says, I'd go and do the ridges and have a good day.

Cheers
Davie

In reply to Rigid Raider:
Looking at weather looks like we might be just walking and taking some pictures
Thanks folks

In reply to Jimsmith:

No chance dude.
It's wet and warm up in the lakes.
Patches of snow but nothing will be in nick. Go walking instead!

In reply to Jimsmith:

I was there yesterday. The Gullies and headwall on helvellyn are a long way from being in, and it's thawed even further today. Your best bet is probably swirral edge as it holds the snow for longer not much else will be wintery.