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Ground Conditions

Reported on Friday, December 01, 2023

Time: At the summit around 1100
Snow above: 750m
Route taken: Llanberis path, PyG path
Next report: Tuesday 5-12-2023

Snow and ice

Conditions
A thin layer of snow starting at around 750m, with significant ice across the paths in a number of places.

It is likely to remain very icy, with the possibility of more snow (see Additional Information below).

On the day of the report the biggest issue was areas of ice across the paths. These areas were present at all heights on the mountain, causing the most significant difficulty on the PyG/Miners' path in a number of places between about 750m and 1000m, the Llanberis path around the old stables about 980m, as well as a number of places around Allt Moses on the Llanberis path, between Pen y Pass and Bwlch y Moch on the PyG path and a number of other places.

There was also slippery compacted snow on the path below Bwlch Glas and between Bwlch Glas and the summit on the Llanberis, Cwellyn, Mwynwyr and PyG paths.

A cold but sunny day, with light winds.

Essential equipment
Seasonally appropriate walking clothing, including lights.

Carrying snow goggles (such as ski goggles) will protect the eyes from cold winds and drifting snow, making it easier to see in order to travel more safely on the mountain.

Carrying an ice axe and some form of crampons will give you options to stay safe on the mountain where snow or ice are present.

Additional information
On the day of Friday's report the forecast suggests that temperatures on the summit will remain below freezing throughout the period until the next report on Tuesday, with temperatures as low as -6˚C (feeling as low as with -13˚C in the wind) currently forecast at the summit. It is likely to be very cold and icy at all heights across the mountain, and it is also possible that more snow will develop. With showers of snow and wind predicted, and with snow lying on the mountain periods of very poor visibility are possible, making it difficult or impossible to see the paths as snow falls or is carried by the wind. On the day of the report these periods of very poor visibility look most likely on Saturday and Monday afternoon.

Yr Wyddfa summit

Ice below Bwlch Glas on the Miners' / PyG

Ice on Allt Moses Llanberis path

Ice below Bwlch y Moch PyG path

Ice by the old stables, Llanberis path

Slippery compressed snow below the summit

After the wind yesterday the snow is now thin in most places, with some areas having collected some wind transported snow. The snow that has collected is quite firm, but not very cohesive. There is very little snow on the paths in general, but with significant areas of hard ice which is difficult to avoid across the mountain in a number of places. Much of the snow on the paths higher up the mountain has been compacted by walking, and is hard and slippery in places.

PyG Path (and Miners)
There was significant ice in a number of places, including areas of ice low on the mountain between Pen y Pass and Bwlch y Moch, a number of places higher up, and more extensive and difficult to avoid areas above the junction with the Miners' path. There were very hard and slippery sections in this area between the Miners' path and Bwlch Glas. Approaching Bwlch Glas on the PyG (and Miners) path there were also areas of slippery compacted snow.

Llanberis Path
Although the temperature was very low the Llanberis path was almost completely clear of ice until reaching around 350m. Above this there were a few icy spots, especially in the vicinity of Allt Moses and when passing the old stables at around 980m. Some snow had accumulated along the side of the path at Allt Goch, with the rest of the path having less snow, but with the ground at the margins frozen. Higher up the snow covered the path, becoming more compacted and slippery as it approached Bwlch Glas.

The condition of the paths is likely to change quickly in the coming days, with the possibility of more significant snow. The ice and snow that is already on the mountain is likely to persist, but with the possibility of new snow falling as well, this could create a situation where loose new snow will lie on top of hard ice, a situation that creates very slippery conditions underfoot, but also makes it difficult to see the slippery ice under the snow at the same time. Another possible result of new snow falling is to make seeing the paths extremely difficult. With the paths looking white in the snow, any snow falling, or snow being blown by the wind can make it very difficult to see let alone follow the path. This situation can develop very quickly, making it difficult to walk down a path you have walked up earlier in the day.