...YOU END UP ON A CORNICE

FIRST, WHAT’S A CORNICE?

A mass of snow overhanging the lee side of a ridge or cliff edge. As wind blows the snow over the mountain, it accumulates at the edge, creating formations that look like huge waves of snow breaking over the mountain.

WHY IS IT SO DANGEROUS?

There’s nothing under a cornice but air, snow and an invariably steep or convex slope. There’s little to no indication of them from above, and they can suddenly collapse, triggering bigger avalanches.

HOW CLOSE CAN I GET TO ONE SAFELY?

Not at all. If a cornice collapses, the snowpack can fracture on parts of the hill where the snow lies over rock. Generally, if you can see the drop from above, you’re too close.

HOW CAN I TELL WHERE A CORNICE BEGINS?

Often you can’t. Sometimes there’s a slight change in snow colour or a faint line of weakness in the snow. Your best chance of sighting one on your route is to observe the hills on your journey in, from below.

WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I’M ON A CORNICE?

Get off it. Head directly away from the edge. Better to plan your route to avoid going near them – from above or below. Check beaware.sais.gov.uk for details on how to plan your journey, in the days before and during the day of your walk.