Lake District

Ground conditions

Date: Friday 9 January. Location: Helvellyn summit at 12:30.Temperature: minus 2.6degC. Maximum wind speed 19.3mph. Wind chill: minus 10.2degC. Average wind speed: 14.5mph Full report: Full winter conditions prevail above 500m on the high Lake District summits Storm Goretti has had very little effect on Cumbria and conditions on the fells today were very similar to yesterday with light winds, freezing temperatures and a few light snow showers. Unfortunately we didn't get yesterday's spectacular views due to low lying cloud. Many paths are obscured and navigation was tricky in todays limited visibility The recent snowfall is continuing to slowly consolidate at all levels although many areas, particularly lower altitudes, still consist of a breakable crust over soft snow. Extensive rime is forming on the snowpack and rocks above 800m and paths are becoming icier where the snow is being compressed beneath walkers feet.. Below the 500m snowline a slow thaw was taking place but there are still large areas of water ice on the paths to keep an eye on. Microspikes as a minimum are strongly recommended for anyone planning to go above the snow line and will significantly increase your enjoyment and safety. Much of the Helvellyn plateau has been scoured by the wind but is frozen and covered in a thick layer of rime ice. If in any doubt or planning on venturing on to steeper and more exposed terrain such as the Helvellyn Edges then an ice axe and crampons are essential. The new snow, which is up to calf deep, is slowly firming up and overlying rime and frozen terrain with the potential for a long tumbling slide if you fail to stop a simple slip immediately. For the climbers many of the mixed routes looked to be in good condition with frozen turf and a good covering of rime. However the snow in the gullies is still unconsolidated and needs a couple of cycles of freeze thaw to come into condition.