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Lake District: latest weather

Saturday, 4 February 2012: dawn to dusk

Printable view Forecast issued: 0332 on Saturday, 4 February 2012

Overview for Saturday

Although perhaps starting dry around dawn sleet and snow soon developing, turning heavier though at the same time reverting to rain over lower ground. Blizzards on the felltops with severe SSW gales.

Hazards	Risk	Explanation
Blizzards	High	Severe gales and snow combined, main risk above 600m.
Heavy snow	Medium	Especially above 500m.
Storm force winds	Low	Gusts of 60mph likely.
Gales	High	Widespread gales to quite low levels.
Severe chill effect	High	Severe gales and subzero temperatures combined.
Persistent and extensive hill fog	High	Especially over southern and western fells.
Thunderstorms	No Risk
Heavy persistent rain	High	At lower levels in the afternoon.
Strong Sunlight	No Risk

key to hazards and forecast content

Weather summary and probability of precipitation for Saturday
Dawn to 0900	0900 to 1200	1200 to 1500	1500 to dusk
Light snow	Light snow	Heavy snow	Sleet
40%	80%	90%	70-90%

Detailed mountain weather forecast: Lake District

Saturday
Sunday
Outlook
Ground Conditions
Useful Links

Saturday

Weather

Although perhaps starting dry around dawn sleet and snow will soon developing, turning heavier in the afternoon though at the same time reverting to rain over lower ground. By dusk, mostly rain below 500m. Meanwhile the felltops will have blizzard conditions.

Visibility

Starting mainly good becoming moderate to poor, and nil in fog and blizzard conditions.

Hill fog

Widespread above 600m at first but lowering to 300m in the south and west of the area.

Maximum winds above 500m

South to southwest 60 gusts 75mph, becoming westerly 30mph late in the day.

Temperature

Valleys	Zero degrees Celsius rising to Plus 3 Celsius, later 6 celsius in the west.
900 m	Minus 3 Celsius rising to Minus 1 Celsius later.
Freezing level	Most levels at first rising to 700m later.

Sunday

Weather

Mostly dry with some bright or sunny intervals. High cloud thickening later, perhaps the odd patch of rain and summit snow.

Visibility

Mostly good or very good, with distant fells easily seen.

Hill fog

Patchy mainly above 600m.

Maximum winds above 500m

West to northwest at 30mph.

Temperature

Valleys	Plus 1 Celsius rising to Plus 5 Celsius inland and 7 Celsius towards the coast.
900 m	Minus 1 Celsius.
Freezing level	800m.

Outlook

Monday

Mostly dry and bright with lighter winds, perhaps a little rain and summit snow later. Freezing level around 700m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with occasional light sleet and snow. Freezing level 600m.

Wednesday

Mainly dry and bright, then persistent sleet and snow, later in the day. This will turn to rain at lower levels later. Freezing level 400m rising 600m.

FELLTOP CONDITIONS REPORT from Helvellyn at 12-40pm on Friday 3rd February 2012. Conditions underfoot have remained fairly stable for the past few days; the snow that fell over a week ago remains. There has been a gradual hardening of the snowpack in some areas although most of the snow on the fell remains soft. The snow level varies throughout the Park between 400m and 500m. On Helvellyn it is 400m. Below this height the paths are largely dry, although there are isolated patches of ice at all levels and given the forecast, expect the same on Saturday. The snow depth rises with height to reach an average of around 12cm at 900m. The actual depth varies from a light dusting, on windswept aspects, to up to 70cm in drifts and hollows. Many gullies, especially east facing, are full of loose, unstable snow (including windslab) - although climbers have reported that conditions at altitude were improving (although still far from ideal). Where popular routes climb easterly facing slopes, such as on the exits to Swirral and especially Striding Edges - steps of compacted snow and ice have been created. Great care needs to be taken here. Similarly, on many paths the snow has now been compacted into ice, this will be especially treacherous should fresh snow fall on top of it. Cornices have formed above east facing slopes, so please keep well back from the edge and advise those with less experience to do likewise. Full winter clothing and footwear are essential for anyone venturing out on the fells as are crampons and ice axes for those going above the snowline and attempting or traversing steep routes. Conditions and views were wonderful today, so come prepared and enjoy! Summit readings from Helvellyn today at 12-40pm : Temperature: minus 6.4 C, Wind chill: minus 16.5 C, Max wind speed: 22.9 mph, Average wind speed: 20.3 mph.