Conditions
There was an interesting variety of different awkward and slippery conditions on the mountain today, with icy areas, a bit of new snow, and significant areas of old snow remaining.
The new snow lay on the mountain above about 650m today. Any snow at this height was quite thin, getting a little thicker with height to begin with, while higher up the new snow had only gathered in a few corners, and had blown away elsewhere.
A little higher there were areas of hard and slippery ice on the path, increasingly affecting walking the path above around 700m, with more extensive areas of ice between about 800m and 950m on the PyG and miners' paths. Although there was less thick ice on the Llanberis path, the ground was frozen on it above about 750m and any loose stones were icy resulting in very slippery areas, even where it was clear of significant snow and ice.
Once again there was a significant area of thick old snow covering the path below Bwlch Glas on the PyG and miners' paths, with the icy conditions and the new snow making it even more challenging and slippery where the path crosses consequential steep slopes.
Between Bwlch Glas and the summit on the Cwellyn (Snowdon Ranger), Llanberis, the miners and PyG paths the mountain was covered in a thick layer of otherworldly feathery rime giving a real winter wonderland feel. There were also areas of compacted snow here which were icy and slippery to walk on.
Above Allt Goch the Llanberis path is covered by old snow, with only a narrow and icy strip alongside. There are also icy slopes close to the path in places, offering the possibility of serious accidents from slipping in an unfortunate location.
Essential equipment
Seasonally appropriate walking gear, including lighting (such as a headlamp or two).
Carrying an ice axe and mountaineering crampons will give you options to stay safe on the mountain.
Carrying snow goggles (such as ski goggles) will protect the eyes from cold winds and wind blown snow, making it easier to see in order to travel more safely on the mountain.
Additional Information
On the Tuesday of the report the forecast suggests that the icy conditions will continue, with temperatures on the summit below freezing throughout the period until the next report on Friday. Temperatures at the summit are forecast to be as low as -5˚C, feeling as low as -17˚C at times.
With freezing likely across large areas of the mountain, the icy conditions are likely to continue and develop to be ever more icy in the coming days, with ice possible in a number of places at a variety of heights across the mountain. Significant new snow does not look likely from the forecast on the day of the report, but there is a possibility for some new snow at times. Periods of poor visibility are also possible.