January 2005 Conditions Reports

31st January 2005
Very wet and warm with at least one climber having a cornice collapse on him today. Another day on Aonach Mor for Kevin and John's teams climbing Left Twin, White Shark and looking at snow anchors on the way home.

30th January 2005
Right Twin and Icicle Gully on Aonach Mor E Face were both in good condition today and climbed by Kevin and John.

29th January 2005

Fantastic weather today on Aonach Mor and plenty of ice to bring lots of people to the East Face. Donald, Angus and Don were first there and climbed The Web, Groove Armada and Spider Rib. There were lots of climbs being done even some of the buttress climbs (including Stirling Bridge) in less than wintry conditions. The cloud inversion lasted all day - brilliant.

28th January 2005

Another good day on the Ben! Donald, Andy and James had a ball by climbing Central Gully (left and right hand variants), down Number 3 Gully, Thompsons Route (a bit thin but good climbing), down Number 2 Gully, The Cascade and finish up Raeburns Easy Route. When Abacus Guides go playing they mean it!

25th January 2005

Donald and Andy climbed NE Buttress on Ben Nevis today in superb conditions. Very rimed higher up making it tough going on the 40 foot corner which, in fact, they by-passed on the left by climbing an arguably just as good line to the same belay. The rime was formed well down the mountain and snow was lying below the CIC Hut. There was plenty of ice forming on the drainage lines - Gemini, Waterfall Gully, The Shroud etc.

22nd January 2005

A great day on a very busy Stob Coire nan Lochain for Donald and David. They climbed the superb Crest Route (VI,6) and saw parties on Scabbard Chimney, Spectre, Dorsal Arete, Twisting, SC and NC Gullies, Central Buttress, Original Route and Para Andy (well done Stu and Tim). Great weather, great conditions, snow down to about 600m.