Rescue team issues avalanche warning for the Ochil Hills

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 5 Jan 2010 16:04 0 Comments

THE Ochils Mountain Rescue Team is warning walkers of the dangers of avalanches on the hills with three people dying during the course of one day in Scotland's Hills recently.

Team leader of the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team Kevin Mitchell is warning walkers who are venturing out to the Ochils to be vigilant at all times and not underestimate the risk of avalanches.

Kevin warned, "This is especially important as there appears to be no let up in the severe weather over the next week as snow is again forecast for much of the country.

"Direct evidence of avalanches having occurred in the Ochil Hills was independently recorded in different locations by two members of the local rescue team when there were out and about hill walking.

"The first avalanche was reported by Stuart McNeish on the steep slopes to the west of Colsnaur Hill above Menstrie. The second avalanche debris was recorded by John Chroston on the southern flank of Ben Cleuch. Both avalanches were photographed on Monday 28 December but the risk still exists.

"Hill walkers should make conscious decisions about the avalanche risk every time they venture out in winter conditions.

"There is a wide range of information available on avalanches for example SportsScotland Avalanche Information Service, SAIS, are a Scottish based organisation providing avalanche information and forecasts for the main climbing areas.

"Walkers may also benefit from visiting www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/avalanche.asp. 'SpotChecks in Avalanche Awareness' is a free computer based quiz aimed at everyone who goes into the hills in winter.

"It aims to confirm that you have sufficient knowledge of avalanche hazards, and highlights the areas in which you should do more thinking. It was created by Malcolm Seddon of CAST Education and Ian Sherrington of Glenmore Lodge, with the support of The Catherine Smith Memorial Trust."

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