Lake District

Ground conditions

Full report: Full winter conditions are developing on the Lake District fells Bands of snow were pushing in from the SW, sometimes combining to give blizzard conditions on the high summits in which goggles were extremely useful. The snowfall is forecast to get heavier overnight so please expect additional challenges on Wednesday . There were some abrupt and dramatic changes in the freezing level with snow falling down to valley level at times before rapidly thawing. Generally the south of the National Park seems to have received more snow with the Northern Fells still looking almost bare. The new snow was drifting on the fresh SW winds and being deposited behind features and on NE aspects. Small cornices were beginning to build above these slopes and drifts were up to knee deep. The exit slopes to Swirral Edge were getting buried and looked almost alpine while many of the gullies will be filling in :) Visibility was very poor and many paths at higher altitudes are hidden beneath the new snow so please ensure you have the equipment and skills to navigate in these conditions. Much of the terrain underneath the new snow is still frozen hard and there are still large areas of water ice to catch out unwary walkers. Microspikes are a very useful addition to your kit which will increase your enjoyment and safety to a huge extent. For walkers and climbers venturing onto steeper and more exposed terrain such as the Helvellyn Edges then an ice axe and possibly crampons will be useful as conditions develop over the next few days. Goggles and a headtorch should also have a place in your bag.