Mountain safety reminder after Ben Nevis tragedy

Following the tragic news of fatalities resulting from an avalanche on

Ben Nevis last week, mountain safety experts have issued a reminder to walkers, climbers and skiers to pay close attention to avalanche and weather forecasts.

Winter is a particularly attractive season to many, with snow and ice adding an extra dimension to their activities, but this winter has been frustrating for outdoor enthusiasts, with unseasonably warm conditions in February.

Winter has now come back with a vengeance, but the sudden and heavy snowfall, combined with lower temperatures and high winds, produced snow conditions that can fluctuate rapidly, as well as rapid changes between hostile and benign weather.

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) recorded five avalanches in the West Highlands in 48 hours last week, highlighting the unstable nature of the snowpack.

Heather Morning, safety adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: ‘Mountain conditions in February were unusually mild, resulting in the majority of the mountains being snow free.

‘However, winter has very much returned. When you’re heading up into the hills, whether it’s for walking, climbing or skiing, it’s essential not only that you check the avalanche forecast but also that you understand what it’s saying. Different slopes on the same hill may have completely different snow conditions. A careful study of the mountain weather forecast is also an essential part of your planning, and your planned route should be finalised with that forecast in mind.’

Avalanche forecasts and explanations of them are at www.sais.gov.uk. Weather forecasts can be found at www.mwis.org.uk.