Conditions
Once again the main difficulty on the mountain was icy areas. Although it did not contribute significantly to the difficulties here there was also a very thin dusting of snow above about 700m. The snow barely exists on the mountain, but there may be more on the way before the end of the week (see Additional Information below).

The area that caused the most difficulty was again on the PyG path and the miners' path (where they coincide) between about 800m and 980m. The ice here had developed and expanded further with a number of places where there was slippery hard ice across the entire route which could not be avoided. The ice here is substantial enough that some winter mountaineering equipment is needed to cross it safely (rather than going for it and trusting to luck).

Despite a whiter appearance higher up on the mountain, walking the ridge from Bwlch Glas to the summit was a little less troublesome although the icy conditions by now also made it quite slippery underfoot here, and considerable care was needed here as well.

Anecdotal evidence from other walkers on the mountain suggests that there are more icy areas on parts of the Llanberis path now too, especially in the vicinity of Allt Moses.

There was less ice low on the PyG path, with only small and limited patches of ice seen below 800m.

A cloudy morning, but clearing through mid-morning, with light winds, and a light shower or two falling early in the day. A busy day on the mountain.

Essential equipment
Suitable seasonal walking equipment, including lighting (such as a headlamp or two each).

Carrying an ice axe and some sort of crampons for the feet will offer safer options on the mountain when encountering ice or snow.

Carrying goggles (such as ski goggles) will offer a means of protecting the eyes from drifting snow in order to see to be able to travel more safely on the mountain.

Additional Information
On the Tuesday of the report, the forecast suggests that the temperature on the summit will be below freezing for most of the period until the next report on Friday, being several degrees below freezing for significant periods, and across wider areas of the mountain. The temperature at the summit is forecast to be as low as -6ºC (feeling like it is as low as -16ºC at times).

On the day of the report the temperature is forecast to remain low, cooling further towards the end of the week, but also with the probability of precipitation also increasing. There are snow showers forecast across significant areas of the mountain, with some snow likely, and more significant snow possible. This snow appears possible by Wednesday night, being increasingly likely through Thursday and Friday into the new year. This snow will also be affected by significant winds.

This means that it is likely that icy conditions will continue and develop further, with snow also increasingly developing across areas of the mountain, with the possibility of hazards due to wind transported snow accumulating also developing if a more significant snow falls. There could be periods of very poor visibility as drifting snow makes seeing to travel on the mountain difficult at times.

Wishing everyone Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Gerwyn, Fyny a Lawr