Hikers have been warned of an avalanche risk on Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain, as Storm Goretti brings heavy snowfall and strong winds to the UK. The alert was issued by Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, which cautioned that areas of unstable snow could lead to 'serious falls' and 'localised avalanches'.
The warning comes as the Met Office issued amber and yellow weather warnings for snow, wind, rain and ice across the country. Storm Goretti, described as a 'weather bomb', is expected to bring accumulations of 10-15cm of snow widely, with up to 30cm possible on higher ground in Wales and the Peak District.
In Scotland, six areas face a 'considerable' avalanche risk, according to the Scottish Avalanche Information Service. These include Creag Meagaidh, Glencoe, Lochaher, North Cairngorms, South Cairngorms and Torridon. The service warned that natural avalanches may occur, some large, and that a single person could trigger an avalanche on steep slopes.
Llanberis MRT said many paths on Snowdon are buried under snow, with higher sections of the Llanberis Path 'particularly dangerous'. Upper sections of popular routes like the Pyg Track are also unstable. The team advised that navigating these conditions requires experience, strong navigation skills and an understanding of snow behaviour, with crampons and ice axes essential.
Storm Goretti, named by the Portuguese weather service, is a multi-hazard event. Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said the storm will bring snow, wind and rain, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, and very strong winds in the far South West. The storm is set to cause disruption and dangerous travelling conditions.
