- This report is completed on a regular basis through the winter months by the Snowdonia National Park Authority and gives indicative information on snow/ice conditions underfoot in the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) area.
Remember, mountaineering is an activity with inherent risks, when out on the hills you should be aware of and accept these risks and take responsibility for your own decisions, prepare well and enjoy the adventure!
Walking in the uplands during the winter can require additional equipment and skills and it is important that you are prepared for this in order to enjoy hill walking safely.
Latest Report
Date – Tuesday the 21st of March 2023Time – Summit at approximately 1300Snow Above – No snow seen on the path todayRoute Taken – Pyg path
Details
No snow or ice was seen on the path today, this may change in the period between this report and the next one on Friday (see ‘Additional Information’ below for more details). It was too foggy to see much more than the actual path walked.
A cloudy and grey day, with fog, rain and a substantial wind gusting strongly at times.
Essential Kit
Usual seasonal suitable walking equipment, including lights.
Winter mountaineering gear was not required for today’s report, but with the possibility of wintry conditions in the forecast for the next few days, the situation could change before the next report on Friday. Carrying winter mountaineering gear ‘just in case’ could avoid a difficult decision between turning back to stay safe, or carrying on with unfavourable underfoot conditions (see ‘Additional Information’ below for further details).
Using an ice axe will offer increased safety in areas of snow and ice, and suitable use can prevent slips from developing. Walking with any form of spikes on the feet will be safer while using an ice axe in an appropriate manner at the same time.
Using microspikes will offer a means of reducing the likelihood of slipping when walking on snow and ice on less steep parts of the paths.
Appropriate use of mountaineering crampons will give you options to stay safe in areas of steeper terrain or if you encounter more challenging conditions on parts of the mountain.
Carrying snow goggles (such as ski goggles) will offer a way to protect the eyes from cold winds and drifting snow, making it easier to see in order to travel more safely on the mountain.
Additional Information
On the day of the report, the forecast suggests that temperatures may be close to or below freezing on the summit over the next few days, with the possibility of snow at times, and a minimum temperature of -1°C currently predicted. There will probably be significant winds throughout the period, strong at times.
This means that a small difference could mean that conditions of ice and snow don’t develop, and a small difference in the other direction could make it feel a bit more wintry, with snow or ice developing for periods. It will feel cold enough on the mountain (feeling like as low as -10°C is mentioned in the forecast), and visibility will be poor at times. On the day of the report it looks like snow or ice is most likely on Wednesday morning – once again keeping an eye on the details of the weather forecast in the meantime will give an idea of how things are likely to develop.
Even if significant winter conditions do not develop, periods of snow or sleet, with a strong wind are likely, and a means of protecting the eyes (such as snow goggles) would be a significant advantage to be able to see on the mountain while it is sleeting or snowing.
Sunset about 1830, dark by about 1900.
