Over the last week or so snow has fallen on the Lake Distict hills. We have also experienced rain, hail and strong winds at all levels. Temperatures have been fluctuating with the freezing level (height above sea level where temperature is 0 degrees centigrade) not remaining very stable.

This has led to a lot of snow being blown around the mountains and deposited on lee slopes. A build up of different layers of snow, hail and wind blown deposits often sitting on wet grass has already caused avalanches on Blencathra and Helvellyn.

The BBC reported on winter conditions in the Lake District this morning and the need to take this into account when planning your day out.

Backcountry Access have published some very useful and up to date information and resources for avalanche safety on their website which is well worth taking the time to look at.

When planning your day out look carefully at the weather forecast and think particularly about wind speed and direction and whether your intended route may cross avalanche terrain.