Planning for Changing Winter Conditions
When we think of winter, our thoughts almost invariably turn to snow! With winter weather becoming more variable year on year, what does that mean for those of us who venture out into the hills to go walking, mountaineering, climbing, ski touring, and split boarding, often when we have limited snow? What do we need to consider when planning for changing winter conditions?
In this blog, Instructor Fi Chappell shares some insights into how we manage and prepare for increasingly unpredictable winter conditions.
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When is winter?
Meteorological winter is defined by the Met Office as being from 1st December to 28th February, a three-month period used for statistical and seasonal comparison. Whereas astrological winter is defined as being from 21st December to the 28th February. Typically these would be the coldest and darkest months of the year, when we experience snow and ice. This is when we have to deal with challenging conditions for travel, and even more so when we head out into the mountains. Already this winter, we’ve had extremes of temperature with bouts of heavy precipitation giving us snow. But then thawing conditions and flooding have turned the hills from typically wintry to conditions normally associated with spring.
How then do we meet this challenge of planning for changing winter conditions? What do we need to do differently?
Anticipating conditions
Regardless of the time of year, gathering and interpreting information from weather forecasts and other reliable conditions reports is essential.
Met Office Mountain Region Forecasts
Mountain Weather Information Service
Scottish Avalanche Information Service
These are a starting point that let us know what conditions we might expect on the hill. It is important that this information is current and looking forward at what is to come. Knowledge of past conditions is useful and contributes to our bigger picture of the current conditions. But it can be very easy to see a photo on social media from a previous day and form inaccurate expectations for our own journey. We need to consider current weather influences. This season, we’ve seen conditions change significantly within short periods of time.
Planning for the conditions
This will inform route choice, and the kit, equipment, and the skills we need to safely enjoy our outing. Even the activity we are choosing to do may be driven by the conditions, and our ability levels. Therefore we’ll choose the kit required to move safely in the about the winter environment. Be it skis or splitboards for touring, axes and crampons for walking, mountaineering and climbing, even snowshoes or micro-crampons could be options that we consider.
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Navigation
Navigation is an essential skill all year round. But in poor visibility and especially on snow covered terrain, we require greater competency and accuracy in our navigation skills of interpreting the map, using the compass for direction and making appropriate use of timing. Digital technology can have its place and be helpful alongside conventional navigation skills. But due to the draining effect of the cold on batteries and the difficulty of using screens with big gloves, it can be unreliable.
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Avalanche & Terrain Hazards
Avalanche awareness and avoiding hazards by journeying in terrain that is appropriate to the conditions will always be an essential of winter planning. However in times of thaw, we also need to think around the implications of warmer temperatures on the snow. It can cause streams to rise as the snow melts, making river crossings more challenging. High water levels in streams can splash onto stepping stones so when the temperature drops, surfaces become icy and slippery. Thawing snow lying over streams may be unstable for crossing. Trekking poles are useful for testing the strength of any snow bridges. Also in thawing conditions, the ground can become boggy meaning wet feet if footwear is inadequate and making for difficult walking. On steeper ground, thawing conditions can also lead to rockfall as the ice holding loose blocks in place melts.
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When the temperature drops after a thaw, snow patches can remain in sheltered places where snow has previously drifted. This remaining snow is likely to freeze and even ground with no snow which has been waterlogged during a thaw can become very icy underfoot (even on relatively flat ground). Paths can become verglassed making it feel like walking on black ice. Micro-spikes and similar traction devices may prove useful on level ground, but steeper ground will require us to think about stiffer boots and crampons. Tourers may consider adding ski crampons to the equipment for their journey if frozen terrain is likely.
Planning the Day
Days are shorter in winter regardless of the weather and conditions underfoot. Our planning should reflect this; consider starting early to enjoy the bulk of our journey in daylight and returning to more straightforward ground on our return. Headtorches (and spare batteries) are an essential part of our winter kit.
The conditions we’re expecting will also inform selecting the right kit to wear and bring with us. On sunny and clear days with low temperatures, even a slight breeze can chill us. This can be deceptive when low down and starting out; you might not expect just how cold it will feel at higher elevations. Consideration also needs to be given to the emergency kit we carry to ensure we have adequate warm clothes and shelter.
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What’s the difference between preparing for summer and winter days?
In summer the conditions can be more forgiving of errors and mistakes. We often learn from these experiences and develop our skills and grow in confidence. In winter, when we get such a variety of weather, some challenges may not be so apparent and the consequences of mistakes can be higher. It is especially worthwhile seeking advice from others with more experience. Instruction from some winter-specific training can be very helpful, and help prepare you for heading out independently.
The predictability of winter has become less dependable, which can add to the challenge of planning and preparing suitably for our adventures. But this also make gaining a day out even more rewarding, as we adapt our planning for the changing winter conditions so we experience an enjoyable and safe day in the hills and mountains.
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About Fi Chappell
I am a Summer, Winter, and International Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor. When I’m not working in the hills, then most likely I am out playing in them, especially in winter; skiing, climbing, walking, and just having adventures!