60cm snow for Scotland

25th February 2010, by Chris Gill

Calm before the storm - The Lecht already had good snow cover

What a season Scottish ski centres are having; the blizzards are back and up to 60cm snow is expected for the Central Highlands though Thursday. All five of the ski areas are reported stormbound at present.

We have already received reports of heavy snowfall, accompanied by severe gales and power cuts, which began on Wednesday afternoon. The strong winds will cause significant drifting.

The very heavy snowfall has closed Cairngorm on Thursday, while they attempt to dig out of the drifting again. When they do reopen, piste conditions will be excellent, with a mix of deep windblown snow and grippy packed powder. They are also planning to shape a huge terrain park.

Up to 60cm snow has already accumulated at The Lecht, in the east – waist deep powder reported. But it is also snowing heavily at Glencoe and Nevis Range further west. And Glenshee reports full cover, with fresh snow on a firm packed base. On the downside, the severe weather is causing major problems for businesses, with power cuts and trecherous journeys to/from work.  So, it may be a day or so before access roads and lifts can be cleared.

The good news is that the weekend forecast looks brighter … catch that powder if you can!

• snow
• scotland
• cairngorm

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