UKC

Does anyone know what the conditions (snow / ice cover) are like on the Cuillin ridge at the moment? Is it looking clear enough for a 'summer?' traverse

In reply to Tboeckx:

Check out Catriona Lates' photo recently uploaded. Looking pretty wintry.

In reply to atrendall:

That's a dramatic picture following the fresh snowfall on Friday but it doesn't look like that now - there is still enough snow to impact a traverse attempt but it will presumably continue to recede, at least until colder air hits it at the weekend.

Moderately useful photo here with apologies to non-Facebookers: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154273077894994&set=a.1429480...

In reply to Tboeckx:

Problem sections are anything northern aspect,especially any bypasses/ledges on northern side. Particularly thearlaich descent, Mhiccoinnich very top section, slope below pinn (even though S facing), start of descent on ghreadaidh, possibly initial descent from Mhadaidh summit to reascent to 3rd top and start of West ridge Gillean to the chimneys.
As jaamie says will thin fast in sun & warmth this week (but not northerly aspects) but then forecast v cold again next w/e. I've considered the wee ice spikes as a good compromise.

On Thursday last week we needed crampons on some bits but it was mostly clear. However snow was being put down to low ish level on Friday when we we were going back up for bivvy gear. Verglas was also a problem until the sun got going. Made it as far as am Basteir.

In reply to alan barnes:
Made it as far as am Basteir.
Good effort; must have been chilly bivvy or good sacks?

In reply to Mike Lates:

It was a bit chilly but not to bad thanks Mike. Ice slowed things down a bit first thing though. We tried a traverse Wednesday but it was too windy but got lucky with the weather Thursday.