Crib goch Traverse & Yr Wyddfa

Myself, David Hooper http://www.ukclimbing.com/listings/info.php?id=1016 and 2 of Davids friends, Dave and Jeff, made the most of todays stunning conditions in Snowdonia. We first encountered Moel Siabod as we passed on the A5, which like most of the other hills in Snowdonia, Clwyds, Moelwyns, has an unbelievable ammount of snow at present, (great for touring!)

We attempted to park at the Pen Y Pass car park, which today was shut, and remained shut all day for some reason. Im unsure if they will be opening it for tommorrow, as the chaps deemed it too icy today!! Hmmm!!

We set off for Yr Wyddfa, David, Jeff and Dave took the Pig track to the summit, while i traversed Crib Goch and on to the summit. Crib Goch was amazing, not a cloud in the sky, clean rock and basked in sun made today feel like a true alpine route. also my first winter traverse of the ridge which truely is deserved of its 3*.

Approaching the summit, there was 2 teams out on the Trinity face which was absolutley plastered! The day was still gorgeous and the rime formations on the cafe, signs, trig point etc were also huge.

We encountered some fantstic examples of raised footprint snow formatins also on the return from the summit.

We returned via the Pyg track, where i dug a quick pit on a south facing lee slope to have a look at the snow pack. A couple of pretty stiff tugs with my hands revealed a 5-6 inch area of windslab. It didnt budge easily, and not much slab was breaking off under foot as we decended in untouched snow, but the danger is still there, and on larger open areas, avalanches or slides could occur.

 A breathtaking sunset with soft colours of purples, lilacs and coppers reflected off the snow covered hills to cap a truely stunning day!

Thanks to David, Dave and Jeff for a great day!!