Out with Euan today in the Loch Avon Basin, we headed first for Stac an Fharaidh. We approached down the stream area to the east of the crag. Unfortunately the sun was stripping the ice and rime from our intended route with the remaining ice looking a bit thin, so we climbed Rectangular Rib, which gave a good route even with some soft snow/hollow ice.
We then headed across to Stag Rocks and descended part way down Diagonal Gully to climb the Final Selection. The first pitch of Final Selection gave excellent, technically sustained climbing.
Both these south/south-east facing crags have been scoured by the recent winds. There is some soft snow around on these aspects, but no cornices to speak of. However, they are catching the sun and ice/rime was stripping throughout the day. Large cornices and loaded slopes were observed on the walk back out on northerly aspects (Coire an t-Sneachda).
Above freezing at crag height in the sun. Light southerly winds. Cloud building towards the end of the day.
