Avalanche by buddha of blackpool

WARNING: High avalanche threat this weekend

By LFTO News Team

Outdoor headlines

15 January 2010 14:32

Well we've seen more than our fair share of snow over the last month and now it's thaw time.

Jeremy Ashcroft, our mountaineering editor, says this brings with it a whole new set of risks on the hills.

"There's a lot of unconsolidated snow around," he says. "The snow pack has been very unstable but now temperatures are rising it will become even more so.

"We could see plenty of wet slab avalanches this weekend. Personally, I wouldn't head to the mountains but if you do, stick to the ridges."

Anyone heading to Scotland should take a look at the avalanche information service first and Jeremy advises you dig your own pit in the snow to test the stability of the snow pack for yourself.

And it's not just hill walkers in Scotland who need to be careful.

The Lake District and Snowdonia carry their own risks.

Nick Owen, team leader for Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, says: "So far we've found people have been well equipped in the hills and we hope this continues.

"Our biggest risk is the potential lack of awareness. Avalanches aren't so common in the Lakes but they do happen and at the moment there's a greater chance of it happening.

"The new snow is wet and, if there is an avalanche, wet snow sets like concrete.

"Do come along to the Lakes but avoid cornices, shallow gulleys and stream beds."

Take a look at our latest Mountain Weather Warnings here