It's that time of year when I put out the begging letter!
I'm organising an all-Scotland survey as usual on 21/22 August to see how many patches are left. I expect there to be a lot! The cool summer has really prolonged the life of the snow, to the extent that even modest-sized hills are still holding it.
To that end, here is a list of hills/areas that will require a visit. It'd be good if as many volunteers as possible were able to offer their services. It's the time of the year that us chionophiles need to pool our resources!
1. Cairngorms & Lochnagar
2. Glen Coe & Black Mount areas
3. Mamores (particularly Sgurr a' Mhaim and Na Gruagaichean)
4. Grey Corries (Stob Coire Claurigh, An Caisteal)
5. Ben Nevis range (Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, Carn Mor Dearg)
6. Ben Alder range (Geal-charn, Ben Alder etc)
7. Glenn Affric, Strathfarrar, Mullardoch
8. Creag Meagaidh & Ardverikie hills
9. Possibly Ben Lawers group / Glen Lyon hills / Bridge of Orchy hills / Ben Wyvis
It is always better to have consistency, so to that end if those who did an area last year (Eddie doing Creag Meagaidh, for example) don't mind doing it again this year then that'd be useful. However, if this isn't possible then just getting into the hills would be a help.
Experience has taught us that it should be possible to do multiple hills from one vantage point. Al Todd's venture up Geal Charn (Ardverikie) last year not only caught that hill's snow, but that of Ben Alder, Geal Charn etc. Combining this with Beinn a' Chlachair will also catch the snow that may be present on Aonach Beag and Beinn Eibhinn. Any specifics, post up on here and questions can be answered.
The data for the last surveys are below (the number in parenthesis is the amount of survivals to winter).
22/08/2015 - ??
22/08/2014 - 281 (21)
20/08/2013 - 81 (6)
20/08/2012 - 72 (6)
19/08/2011 - 36 (2)
22/08/2010 - 34 (6)
22/08/2009 - 35 (6)
23/08/2008 - 34 (12)
I've done a poster, which can be distributed to everyone that you think would post it. Perhaps the UKC website? If anyone has any contacts then please do share away! [
www.dropbox.com]