Scottish Snow and Storm Situation Stabilises
Scottish Snow and Storm Situation Stabilises
Published : 10-Mar-2015 08:53
The five ski areas in the Scottish Highlands have seen a weather roller coaster over the last four days with temperatures climbing towards double figures, leading to a serious thaw at the weekend, followed by up to 115mph+ gales battering the mountain sides over the last 36 hours.
Most of the areas had to close at one point or another due to the winds or, in Glenshee's case, the thaw.
The good news is that after the gales last night, temperatures are back below freezing on the hills, and some fresh snow came in between the windy blasts. It's now a perfect day with blue skies and brisk breeze. The bad news is that more storms are expected in the next few days.
On the west Nevis Range reports it's a good day there and they're getting ready to go, but that it will take a little longer than normal as lifts had to be tied down because of the gales.
Glencoe (Pictured above yesterday) reported they had survived the thaw and expect to open later today but presently the gales have knocked out their electric supply, so they're waiting for that to be fixed.
In the Central and eastern Highlands Cairngorm, which could not run its funicular train yesterday because of the strength of the winds, reports excellent conditions and The Lecht is also operating with limited terrain due to the thaw taking some cover away.
Glenshee had been closed due to the thaw but today reports fresh snow has allowed them to patch up some runs and they have limited terrain open.
Despite the perennial problems of battling extreme weather in order to operate, Scottish ski areas are currently reporting one of their best seasons this century in terms of consistent snow cover at all five Highland centres and resulting healthy skier numbers.
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