Climbing experts warn of rockfall dangers after Cairngorms death
Mountaineering experts have warned of the dangers of rockfall following a fatal accident in the Northern Corries area of the Cairngorms yesterday.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has serious concerns over the state of the cliffs in this popular climbing area.
Yesterday a woman died in the Aladdin’s Buttress area of the cliffs in Coire an t-Sneachda, after a she was hit by rockfall from above.
And earlier in August, considerable rockfall was noted in the area above the Goat Track, in the same corrie.
Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s mountain safety adviser, Monty Monteith, said: "This is particularly worrying as we move into winter over the next two months.
"Experienced climbers and mountaineers are very aware of the fragile nature of our mountains, which are in a constant state of decay.
"However, the heavy snows of last winter seem to have de-stabilised the cliffs and their surroundings even more.
"Once the first snows of this winter fall and temperatures plummet, the situation will be made even worse as successive freezes and thaws dislodge even more debris.
"This of course will be exactly the time when the first winter climbers take to the crags seeking adventure."
Monty added: "Rockfall is sometimes considered an objective danger, but let’s take heed of all available information and plan accordingly when heading out to seek the challenge of winter – especially in the last few months of 2014, before the snow and deep cold has cemented the loose rock under its frozen cocoon."
