Conditions
There was fresh snow on the mountain today, above about 650m. It was already thawing substantially at the time of the observations, with only scattered soft snow at this level. The snow had drifted and collected in a few corners, with a few patches of snow affecting walking the path from about 700m, with the snow generally soft and melting, but compacted and slippery in a few places. Although relatively easy to walk when soft today, any patches that remain may freeze hard by Saturday morning, being somewhat more problematic (see Additional Information below).

Ascending the PyG path (where it coincides with the miners' path) the snow was increasingly affecting walking the path above about 900m when approaching Bwlch Glas. Closer to the bwlch there were a number of slippery areas, with more significant and slippery snow reaching the bwlch itself, in a rather serious situation.

Above Bwlch Glas the path was clearer, being significantly clear of any snow, with only the occasional slippery spot.

A cloudy and misty day, but dry, with light winds, and the summit appearing above the clouds at times.

Essential equipment
Suitable seasonal walking equipment, including lighting (such as a headlamp or two each).

Carrying an ice axe and some form of spikes for the feet will offer safer options on the mountain (with microspikes likely to be most useful). It is possible for the need for such equipment to subside over the weekend, but carrying them until there is specific information that any winter conditions have receeded will avoid being caught in an awkward situation.

Additional Information
On the Friday of the report, the forecast suggests that the temperature on the summit will be several degrees below freezing to begin with, but will rise above freezing for periods over the weekend. The temperature at the summit is forecast to be as low as -4ºC (feeling like it is as low as -11ºC at times).

No new snow seems likely, but there is some possibility at times, perhaps Saturday night or Monday night.

This means that an icy period is likely on Saturday morning at a variety of levels, with ice, or refrozen snow possible. Wintry conditions are less likely after this, with periods of thaw, but also more marginal periods at times higher on the mountain, where the possibility of snow or ice will not be far away at times