Lakes Conditions, Helvellyn

Published February 14, 2014

Brilliant conditions on Helvellyn today, soft snow build up on the approach slopes but good neve once steep in Gully 1. Francis and I climbed Prince of Darkness V/7 followed by an attempt at something new that turned out to be harder than it looked and bold which we backed off (will return soon with more bulldogs!), we then finished up Rape and Pillage 4/6 with the Viking Buttress arete finish, all in great condition with well frozen turf, loads of useful ice and snow plastered on the rock, but gear is very hard won! I think I found 3 pieces on the main pitch of Rape and Pillage and I know where it is…

Nice morning then wild into the afternoon with wind and snow, so there will be fresh accumulations to be careful of and there were spindrift avalanches coming down by the end. Due to warm up tomorrow but it could still be worth a look as it was 1 degree in the Patterdale Valley when we left this afternoon.

If things do strip or soften up tomorrow a colder night tomorrow night as forecast could help consolidate the snow for Sunday. Still plenty of scoured hard icy areas to watch, people were looking cautious on Swirl Edge today, probably very icy I’d guess. The softer snow about today and great coverage means skiing will still be great.

More great shots from Steve at http://www.movieit.co.uk/ and Francis at http://francisbluntmountains.com/, thanks!