SO TERRIBLY SAD. FOUR PEOPLE DIE IN GLENCOE AVALANCHE

From the Daily Mail. This is Bidean. The avalanche was in a valley - as ever - and they were on their way down - as ever

Webcam showing the area now

This is a webcam from the Kingshouse Hotel, which lies in a moorland area, about 5 miles from where the accident took place. You can see very little snow, even high up on the mountains looking South. The accident took place in the Glen itself. They must have been swept away, their feet going from under them sliding down the hill.  

It is so sad this. So awful for their families, and friends. Awful for the survivors, too.

The Scottish avalanche warning system had warned of wind-swept snow lying on top of soft snow in  the Glencoe area together with warnings for the other districts of Lochaber, and in the Grampians. This can easily be dislodged by human movement. At this time of year it is not unusual to have this warning. It does not need deep snow, just unstable snow. To-day six winter climbers dislodged it. Four people have died, a woman is badly injured and one escaped. Apparently other walkers raised the alarm

They do not have to be idiots, they do not have to have bad equipment, they do not have to be inexperienced. They can be totally expert in every sense. But they had bad luck. Like probably 40 others people in the area  they were just out on the most wonderful mountain on a fine day, enjoying the spectacular scenery. They were walking home, towards the area where the infamous "Glencoe massacre" took place 330 years ago, in February.

The usual advice is to move one at a time in an avalanche prone area. You can often "feel" it to be unsafe, just an instinct. Climbers learn to rely on it. 90% of avalanches are caused by the movement of people.

This one was in a dangerous area. The wind direction was from the South, that leaves drifting snow on the lee side of the mountain which is where they were. It would look safe, but snow lies in layers of different ages. When one of these starts to slide, you get catastrophe.

Yes, I know it puts a big strain on the rescue services. They are truly good people, and truly expert. One of their big problems is to avoid starting another avalanche themselves.

The accident happened in the area of the highest mountain in Glencoe, Bidean. It took place at a place called  Church Door Buttress at about 2pm. The Central gully, next door to it, is known as an easy winter climb. This is probably where they were. The area has had beautiful weather and not even a lot of snow.

There has been a run of avalanche accidents in the past five years in this area.. 3 climbers were killed in January 2009 at the notorious Buchaille Etive Mhor.The following year near the same spot  two climbers were killed and one escaped from an avalanche.

The avalanche forecast for Glencoe was
"Poorly bonded windslab will persist, mainly on West through North to East aspects above 800 metres. These deposits will mainly be hard windslab, often overlying a weak softer layer. Soft windslab will also be present in places. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable."

The website for avalanche prediction is
http://www.sais.gov.uk/

So terribly terribly sad. Winter climbing carries these objective dangers with it. Don't stop them. Don't stop Formula 1 drivers either, nor soldiers in Afghanistan, nor horse riding come to that. They are all dangerous. Including cycling in London.

John
WEATHER WEST COAST
Weather Misconceptions Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
January February Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
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September October Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
November December Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Wind in the mountains and West Coast
What to do about Rain in Scotland
PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENCOE
Glencoe is the photographers paradise
Photographic locations Glencoe
Winter Photography Glencoe

Glencoe Mountain Rescue team out twice

The Coire above the Hidden Valley. 

Thousands of people walk up the Hidden Valley each year. Known as Coire Gabhail it is the main target for folks with only a day or so to spare.

Equally thousands of people walk the West Highland Way each year, from just South of Loch Lomond up to Fort William.

Inevitably a few of them have problems. Two parties were found and helped by the Glencoe Rescue team in one weekend in July. 

A couple of Dutch walkers lost their way near the Kings House Hotel on Rannoch Moor around 11.00pm. They wouldn't be the first people to be lost and confused in that pub. They had to be found first before being taken to Glencoe village. A lady walking in the Hidden Valley tripped, twisted her ankle and had to be stretchered down the hill. 

Have you ever tried to carry someone on a stretcher? Going down a rough path on a steep hill? It is very hard work I can tell you.

The rescuers are all volunteers, unpaid. They are on stand by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is a call out somewhere, on average once a week. They depend mostly upon public support.

This is a website whereby you can buy stuff online and a percentage goes to the Glencoe  Rescue team so technically it does not cost a penny.  You can help the Teams finances without giving a donation through this site

The founder of the team is Hamish McInnes. See our other blog posting for news of him.

John

ps.November seems to be filling up in the cottage, but not October so much. Why is that?

The best walks in Glencoe Ben Nevis, go climb it Munros are over 3,000 feet Some Munros are easy Glencoe rock climbing Skiing in Glencoe is excellent again New cycle tracks around Glencoe There are lovely beaches and bays around Glencoe Accommodation Fort William Golf on the West coast Tour the Highlands You can cruise the West coast Driving around glencoe on snow and ice - Tips

Sophy's Tale...

Ok, it was April, so I've taken time to upload it. Which hill is it Mark? 

Hi John
We had a really smashing holiday thanks, and the cottage was excellent and comfortable. Here are some of the pics I took on the holiday and you can use any of them
Marks' lovely pics of Glencoe
As you can see we did some big hill walks with snow above about 2,200ft. There was all sorts in the way of weather but it was kind to us when we were up high. You'll recognise some lowland walks we did too, such as on the evening of arrival we crossed the bay from the cottage and walked along the coast a bit.
Good birdwatching too! Again, the photos give an idea, but the highlight was a pair of ptarmigan. Great Northern Diver came a close second.
As I said, the cottage was great. Having WiFi was a real bonus.
We went twice to the Holly restaurant - excellent and (in a different way) the Onich Hotel was great too (twice there!)
Thanks again, we had the holiday we hoped for.
Mark & Megan Scott

We loved having you both there.
John
LINKS THINGS TO DO

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage 20 brilliant walks around our cottage area Easy hill walks in Glencoe Why not walk up Ben Nevis one day? Easier Munroe walks in Glencoe Skiing Glencoe and Nevis range, cottage is midway between the two Video. Skiing on Glencoe mountain Weather in the West of Scotland Rock and Ice climbing in Glencoe Cycling and fishing Glencoe Spectacular wild life around our cottage Golf in the Highlands, Dragons tooth golf course, Glencoe Cruising the islands, using Glencoe as a base Safe, beautiful beaches and bays in Glencoe area Touring the Highlands by car from Glencoe, Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe Winter breaks, Jan Feb March in the cottage Autumn breaks November December in the cottage Our new Appin blog site

There is one truly notable man in Glencoe - Hamish McInnes

Hamish McInnes with French mountaineer Yvon Chouinard

He is a world-renowned climber, innovator and inventor of mountaineering equipment, leading search and rescuer, author and adviser. Now Gencoe's Hamish MacInnes, 77, is honoured for his dedication to mountaineering with a new award.

Mr MacInnes, is the first to receive the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.

He is known for scaling the world's most dangerous peaks and his invention the MacInnes stretcher is used internationally.

Born in Dumfries and Galloway in 1930 and known as the 'Fox of Glencoe' in reference to his cunning as a mountaineer, he is recognised widely as the father of modern mountain rescue in Scotland. He designed the first all-metal ice axe, founded the Search and Rescue Dog Association and set up the Scottish Avalanche Information service.

All rock climbers know the name of Hamish Mc Innes. He has done just about everything - Himalayas, Alps, Scottish mountains, leading the Glencoe rescue teams on the hairiest rescues. He has saved literally saved hundreds of lives and developed unique equipment. His mountain books are very readable indeed. You've probably seen him on television.

We had a group of climbers in the cottage for a short weekend break in December. When I told them that Hamish could be spotted in Crafts and Things most mornings, just talking quietly and modestly with the locals here is the short glimpse they offered of him.

("Cubby" is David Cutherbertson, the local guide and rock climber. He was the body double for the fall in the famous Mountaineering film of a couple of years ago, "Into the Void" )

"Have bumped into Cubby a couple of times but never the god that is McInnes! Quite the character I understand, amazing to think he invented the modern ice axes we use today. Have heard some great stories about him, the best one being him tunnelling out of a huge cornice in the Cairnorms. Apparently, just as he broke through the ice a group of young scouts walked past. They stopped in amazement as this frosty figure appeared from out of the snow. He stood up, wiped the snow from his beard, pointed at one of the young fellows saying ‘’You Boy – what year is this!’’

That's Hamish, one of the nicest most modest men you can find.

John

ps We have just put up a new page in our website about the MacDonalds.

How did the MacDonalds become the Lords of the Isles?

Here are some other links:

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

Autumn Breaks October November December Glencoe

Winter breaks January February March in Glencoe

Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe

The Vikings in Scotland, the Terror, the Battles, Vikings in Glencoe

Scotland How to find your ideal holiday property

Last minute, self catering holiday breaks scotland

Excellent Scottish holiday properties offering short breaks and special prices