Reading the Report
Icons will be displayed in the 'Observed Hazards' section based on what is seen during the observations, and therefore reflect conditions on the mountain at the time. Icons that appear as 'Possible Hazards' are based on the information that appears in the weather forecast when the report is compiled, and are therefore only an idea of what is possible.
Because conditions can develop quickly due to the exact nature of influences on the mountain, and that the forecast can develop over the days between reports, keeping an eye on the weather forecast, as well as other sources of information (such as the temperature measurement of the summit on the 'Yr Wyddfa Fyw' website) for all the days between reports will give a fuller picture of the likely conditions in the days between the reports.
The intention is to try to provide additional information for planning travel on the mountain, but it should be understood that everyone who ventures on the mountain should be prepared for circumstances to be different than expected, and make their own decisions regarding all the information available to them, including responding to unexpected developments on the mountain. The hazards reported are limited to what is observed on the mountain, and information about the forecast at the time of drawing up the report, rather than reflecting the exact dangers that may be seen across the mountain.
Participating in any activities on the mountain comes with the risk of accidents that can result in injury or death, in situations where it is difficult for any help to reach. Anyone who takes part in activities on the mountain should accept these risks for themselves, and take responsibility for their own safety, without endangering others around them, or the environment.
The 'Snow' icon will show when snow has been present during the observations on the day of the report. This could be that it is snowing at certain times of the day, that snow is lying on the path, or that snow is present more generally on the mountain. It is possible that the icon will not be present at times where there is limited snow lying on the mountain, and that it does not affect walking the route observed for the current report. For fuller information about the nature and amount of snow present, the full report should be read. The icon can also appear as part of the 'Possible Hazards' if snow appears in the weather forecast on the day of the report for the period before the next report, or if there is a clear possibility that it may develop.
The 'Ice' icon will show when ice has been present during the observations on the day of the report. This may be ice that has formed on the path, or that ice is present more generally on the mountain. It is possible that the icon will not be present at times where there is limited ice present on the mountain, and that it does not affect walking the route observed for the current report. For fuller information about the nature and extent of the ice present the full report should be read. The icon may also appear as part of the 'Possible Hazards' if a temperature of 0˚C or less for a significant period appears in the weather forecast on the day of the report for the summit, for the period before the next report.
The 'Visibility' icon will show when visibility is very poor on the day of the report. This will be for more serious circumstances than just cloud or fog reducing the distance that is possible to see, when the visibility is so bad that it makes finding, or even seeing the paths difficult. This is more likely to happen when there is a significant cover of snow on parts of the mountain, and there is low cloud, fog, drifting due to the wind, or/and snow falling at times. For fuller information about the circumstances the full report should be read. There will be considerable uncertainty regarding the appearance of this icon as one of the 'Possible Dangers', but it will appear where the information on the day of the report suggests that there will be a significant possibility that it may happen in the coming days.
The 'Cornice' icon will show when evidence of cornicing occurs in some locations during the observations on the day of the report. This may be seeing cornices starting to form along some edges, or that a more significant cornices are already present.
The 'Slippery Paths' icon will show when paths are noticeably slippery during the observations. This icon is likely to appear when there are areas on the route that are in a slippery condition beyond what is to be expected from the normal slippery nature of ice or snow on the mountain, or that general conditions make it clearly more slippery than 'normal' winter conditions. In exceptional circumstances it is possible for the icon to be used as 'Possible Danger' if there is a significant reason to anticipate that this may develop in the days between reports.
The 'Slippery Slopes' icon will show when the slippery nature of the snow or ice is generally a hazard when walking the route at the time of the observations, beyond the danger due to conditions on the route itself. This may be due to snow or hard ice on significant slopes on the mountain leading to a more substantial possibility for serious slides to easily develop from small slips.
The 'Wind Transport' icon will show when significant snow is being moved under the influence of wind during the observations on the day of the report. As well as being linked to some other dangers (such as poor visibility, overhanging conditions) it can also contribute to conditions for more unstable snow to develop, and be risk factor for avalanches. The icon may also appear as part of the 'Possible Hazards' if a combination of wind and snow (lying and/or falling) appears in the weather forecast on the day of the report for the period before the next report.
The 'New Snow' icon will show when relatively new snow is present during the observations on the day of the report. For fuller information about the nature and amount of snow present, the full report should be read. Recent snow can contribute to conditions for more unstable snow to develop, and be a risk factor for avalanches. The icon can also appear as part of the 'Possible Hazards' if snow appears in the weather forecast on the day of the report for the period before the next report, or if there is a clear possibility that it may develop. As circumstances for snowfall can be very marginal at times the appearance of the icon or not in the 'Possible Hazards' will not be a very dependable indication of when snow will develop.
The 'Thaw' icon will show when a noticeable thaw occurs during the observations on the day of the report. For fuller information about the nature of the thaw the full report should be read. Thawing snow or ice can contribute to more unstable conditions developing and be a risk factor for avalanches. The icon may also appear as part of the 'Possible Hazards' if there is a temperature likely to lead to a thaw in the weather forecast on the day of the report for the period before the next report, or if there is a clear possibility that it may develop , especially when there is also a chance of rain.
The 'No Snow' icon will show when no other icon is shown. It does not indicate any particular hazard, but it also does not mean that no environmental hazards are likely to exist at all (e.g. due to the weather), only that none of the specific winter conditions icons apply during the observation period and that there is no snow lying on the mountain during the most recent observations.
The 'Lights' icon will be displayed at times when daylight is short. It is likely to appear for most of the reporting period as being caught out in the dark is a common problem with a simple solution, but which is very difficult to solve without suitable lighting. It is almost impossible to be able to return from the mountain safely while unable to see anything in the dark.
The 'Ice Axe' icon will be displayed at times when there is significant snow or ice on the mountain at any time during the observations, or the possibility of this between the days of the report, according to the forecast on the day of the report. An ice axe should be carried to offer options to keep safe when traveling on the mountain. It is possible that it will not be necessary to use the ice axe on every occasion where the icon is displayed, but carrying it will mean that the correct equipment is available when encountering a situation where it is needed on the mountain.
The 'Goggles' icon will be displayed at times when there is a possibility of snow falling, or being moved by the wind, in the forecast on the day of the report. In such circumstances snow being blown into your face can make it difficult to keep your eyes open to see, which can affect your ability to stay safe on the mountain. Wearing snow goggles (such as ski goggles) can make it easier to see in such weather, as well as keeping your face warm.
The 'Crampons' icon will be displayed at times when there is a possibility of significant snow or ice on the mountain at any time during observations, or between the days of the report according to the forecast on the day of the report. When using any type of crampons, the use of an ice axe at the same time will make it safer by offering a way to reduce the risks of tripping or slipping, as well as helping to maintain balance. There will be times when microspikes may be more suitable, but 'mountaineering crampons' will offer a safer choice in areas of more challenging conditions or on slopes of any kind. At times of displaying this icon it will not distinguish between crampons and microspikes, and a decision should be made in accordance with all the information available, including reading the full report. Mountaineering crampons will offer an option that tends to work in a wider variety of conditions, even if this is not the easiest choice on every occasion.
The 'Microspikes' icon will be displayed at times when there is a possibility that microspikes could be useful to provide safe options at times where mountaineering crampons are likely to be less suitable. It will be displayed when such conditions are possible at any time between the days of the reports. It is more likely to be displayed when conditions are more borderline e.g. when there is no snow on the mountain but a short period of icy conditions is possible.
The mountain image will give a quick idea of general conditions across the mountain according to the observations on the relevant route on the day of the report, indicating an approximation of relevant heights.