Conditions
Although the snow had continued to thaw, there was still some snow lying on the mountain. Any snow was quite patchy, and generally there were only patches and bones of snow lying on the mountain, apart from some more extensive areas higher up. Some patches filled the path as low as 550m
The snow covered the path completely or almost completely in a few places on the Llanberis path, and significant areas of the PyG/miners' paths were still under snow.
All the snow that was seen today was thawing, and although generally soft on the surface, most of the snow that was seen was firm enough in nature, with some places being quite icy, especially higher up on the mountain. Although the snow had thawed, it was in a slippery enough condition in some places.
A few cornices were seen during the observations, although they were relatively small in size, it would still be a very unwise idea to walk on, or near these, even if the structure is not actually overhanging.
There was still considerable snow on the PyG route and the miners' route below Bwlch Glas.
A number of small cracks were seen along the upper edge of the old drifts which lie on the ridge between Yr Wyddfa and Carnedd Ugain today (see photos). This suggests that this snow has been, or is moving in this area. The snow here is above the upper part of the PyG path and the miners' path. It cannot be predicted if this will lead to further instability or not above a popular path, but walkers should make an informed choice about the risk before deciding to cross this part of the PyG and miners' paths, rather than just assuming that the routes here are safe to travel through this area.
A cloudy and foggy day, with a strong wind, and fleeting clearer intervals. The temperature on the summit was measured at 2˚C at the time.
Essential equipment
Seasonally appropriate walking gear, including lighting (such as a headtorch or two).
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.
Carrying an ice axe and crampons will give you options to stay safe on the mountain.
It was possible to walk the Llanberis path without technical equipment with care today, but with the possibility of conditions turning icy again it would be wise to carry an ice axe and microspikes to keep safe in the coming days.
An ice axe and crampons were needed to enable safe movement on the snow of the PyG and miners' paths (besides other possible dangers), even if this was a relatively small part of the path.
Additional Information
On the Friday of the report, the forecast suggests that there will be periods of thawing, and periods of significant re-freezing possible on the mountain during the period until the next report on Tuesday. The temperature on the summit is forecast to be as low as -5˚C, feeling as low as -12˚C at times.
Some further thawing is possible, and the snow receding somewhat, but if the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point any snow could turn harder and more icy again. It is also possible for ice to develop at various heights at times, making it more difficult to avoid any snow lying on the path due to ice on the edges of the path.
On the day of the report the forecast suggests that any significant new snow is unlikely, but some new snow is possible at times.