A9 was hit by debris from avalanche
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The Covid lockdown has significantly cut down on casualties in the Highland peaks so far this winter.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) said that most people had been content to concentrate on the lower slopes during the recent Arctic blast.
It has also emerged that a late night avalanche during the cold spell at Cregan Doire Dhonaich by the pass of Drumochter had sent debris over the A9 Inverness-Perth road and Highland main railway line.
No-one was caught up in the avalanche, which was reported by a snowplough driver clearing the road.
The SAIS said the run-out length was 400 metres and the incident had occurred at around 11pm on February 4.
The debris was cleared, but had affected both road and rail traffic for several hours.
The avalanche was naturally released from a weak soft layer following significant windslab loading during very strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Despite the huge accumulation of snow since the turn of the year, there have been no serious mountain incidents.
Mark Diggins, the service's co-ordinator and chief forecaster, said: "Those who were able to get out into the hills were concentrated on the lower slopes where the snow was not so unstable, so avoided the real dangers."
He said: "The snow conditions on the southern Cairngorms have been good and very reminiscent of the last extended winters back in 2009 and 2010, with a fine early arrival and then fair and settled conditions for a prolonged spell.
"The characteristics have been really very similar, with the winds coming from the east and keeping things especially cold.
"For all the restrictions of the pandemic, many have really enjoyed being out locally and making the most of the situation."
Avalanches had occurred in some areas, notably in the Braemar area with the east of the range getting even heavier snowfalls and colder temperatures earlier this month.
Visit www.sais.gov.uk for the latest updates on snow conditions and risks.
