The snow level on the mountains of Snowdonia has now dropped to around 1200 feet. Yesterday I was on Y Garn, which lies just to the north of Snowdon at 3000ft. On the north facing, leeward side, the stable spindrift snow lies in the gullies, and is well over three feet deep, powdery and inviting.

More snow fell last night - I can see it out of my window on the Berwyns about ten miles away. If the temperature at altitude stays below freezing this week, it'll be a stiff walk up carrying skis and boots and a 600ft vertical. Ski Wales! I think not - but an interesting one all the same. What will happen is it will stay cold most of the week, keeping the anticipation alive, and on Friday night a deep warm Atlantic low will come in and it'll rain for eight hours. I'll go anyway as it has to be done, and get buried in the ensuing avalanche.

Looking east - Tryfan top right

Y Garn Back Bowl all ready

After driving home last night and hearing about the three climbers killed in Glencoe by an avalanche yesterday, my plan suffered a momentary setback, but not for long. Taking risks assumes that there may be an element of danger involved. Assessing the danger, and then deciding whether to take the risk is what has just kept me alive for this long. It's been a close run thing on some occasions, and I've only four of my nine lives left. Please be careful the next time you cross the road...