Wee County Mountain Rescue volunteers report “fairly significant” avalanche activity in the Ochils.
The Ochils Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) has given safety advice following the recent snowfall in and around Clackmannanshire.
On a social media statement, the team said, “While we typically associate this risk with higher mountains in the highlands, avalanches can happen anywhere there is a slope and some snow – we are now definitely ticking both boxes. ”
Members of the team reported two avalanche debris observed over the weekend.
A picture taken from the A823 through Glen Devon showed a small amount of snow stopping just before the road.
A second avalanche was observed by a farmer on Bishop Hill.
OMRT said, “On both occasions the avalanches occurred on slopes where the wind had large amounts of snow; in these cases west facing slopes due to the recent easterly winds.
“The trigger was likely a cornice (overhanging snow) that collapsed as the temperature rose for the past day or two.”
The statement was released over the weekend and since then more snow has hit the area, including at the bottom.
OMRT added, “At the moment, try to avoid steep, snow-laden slopes.
“An incline angle of 30-45 degrees is most commonly associated with avalanches, although it can also be done on less steep terrain.
“Avoid going anywhere near a slope with a cornice.”
Further information and advice on avalanches can be found at beaware.sais.gov.uk.
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