More than 200 avalanches were recorded on Scotland’s mountain’s this winter – more than double last year’s number.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service ended its daily forecasts for the season at the weekend after months of turmoil on the nations peaks.
The national warning service has recorded 222 snow-slides, though the final total is expected to be higher.
It plans to provide general advice on potential avalanche risk until there is no longer deemed to be a likelihood of further avalanche.
The entire number logged last year was just 90 – though that was in large part due to a lack of snow.
This winter was very different, however, and Mark Diggins, coordinator of the SAIS, said the snow could last until June high up in the mountains.
His prediction comes as Scotland’s five snow sports resorts have enjoyed one of their best ever seasons, with more than 200,000 skier days already logged.
In 2010, CairnGorm Mountain near Aviemore remained open until June for the first time with hundreds of skiers trekking to the snow.
The avalanche forecasting season began on December 15.
At least eight hillwalkers have died on Scotland’s mountains this year – with one still missing – but it is unclear if any died as a direct result of avalanche or simply made a navigational error such as falling through cornices, overhanging ledges of snow.
The previous year saw five such deaths.
During the winter of 2012-13, eight people died because of avalanches. It was the highest number of deaths in five seasons of SAIS forecasts.
Every winter, SAIS assesses avalanche hazards in Lochaber, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, Northern Cairngorms and Torridon.