Fell Top Conditions on Friday 14 March

Readings from Helvellyn summit at 12:15

Temperature minus 1.2°C Maximum wind speed 24.9mph Wind chill minus 10.1°C Average wind speed 20.4mph Wind direction NW

Settled high pressure conditions continue across the Lake District National Park with plenty of sunshine but a bitterly cold NW wind driving down temperatures on the summits. The thin snow cover which has fallen on the high fells in the last couple of days has been significantly reduced by the sun. Coverage is very varied and patchy with the snow line anywhere between 700m and summit level. Southerly aspects have generally been stripped at all altitudes while shady north facing slopes have a covering of fresh snow, soft neve and rime.

Striding and Swirral Edges can both be climbed without setting foot on snow with some careful route choice However where snow is lying it has started to slowly firm up as it goes through a freeze thaw process. Popular paths are also likely to become icier in the next few days as the snow is compressed beneath walkers feet so carrying microspikes would be a sensible decision

The few remaining patches of old snow (neve), which are to be found on steep north through east aspects above 800m, have refrozen but are easily avoidable by walkers.

Conditions on the fells are forecast to be similar through the weekend with freezing temperatures, plenty of sunshine, snow showers and a bitterly cold northerly wind. Please Be Adventure Smart and ensure you have sufficient warm and waterproof clothing for the conditions including hats and gloves. A map & compass, torch, whistle, survival bag, microspikes & a fully charged mobile phone are also strongly recommended.