CLIMBERS, hillwalkers and skiers were put on avalanche alert last night after massive snowfalls on Scotland’s mountains.
Cover on the north peaks was described as being at “unprecedented” levels – creating the potential for huge slides
Both the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) issued warnings to anyone planning to take advantage of the spectacular conditions.
They urged outdoor enthusiasts to check weather forecasts, plan their route into the hills carefully and avoid high-risk areas.
MCofS mountain safety adviser Heather Morning also warned of the dangers of “terrain traps” – where avalanched snow builds up because it has nowhere else to run, burying anyone who is caught there deeper than in other areas.
The traps can be gullies, corrie basins or even spots where there is an abrupt change in the angle of a slope.
Avalanche debris then builds up, rather than carrying on down the mountainside.
Ms Morning said one example was Coire na Tulaich, on Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe, where there was a history of people being buried in avalanche debris.
She said: “Anyone heading out into the hills, whether to climb, walk or ski, should take a close look at the weather forecast and avalanche reports in order to plan a suitable route. There is an unprecedented amount of snow. Ski tows are literally buried.”
Ms Morning said it was important to plan ahead and study the terrain on the map.
“Always be flexible and have alternative plans,” she said. “Stay high – choose ridge lines and broad shoulders. In times of high avalanche risk, avoid gullies, abrupt slope transitions and corrie basins.”
Mark Diggins, of the SAIS, said: “Above about 1,600ft there is a tremendous amount of snow. It’s been snowing fairly consistently up in the mountains, and that is in all areas.
“Any avalanches that do occur are going to travel great distances.”
The mountain weather forecast is published by the Mountain Weather Information Service, and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service distributes avalanche reports online.
Mountain instructor Chris Walker, 29, from Cumbria, and course member Robert Pritchard, 37, of New Malden, London, died after being swept 1,500ft down Buachaille Etive Mor, in Glencoe, in February 2010.
A fatal accident inquiry found their deaths were a tragic accident that could not have been foreseen.
Last year, four young climbers died after being hit by an avalanche and swept over a 1,000ft cliff on nearby Bidean nam Bian, also in Glencoe.
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