North Wales Mountain Rescue teams advising people to think and plan carefully before heading outdoors
Forecasted snow has already made its presence felt across North Wales over the weekend and is continuing to fall in many areas today.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain across much of Wales today, impacting road and rail travel. Likewise, journeys by foot or mountain treks are likely to be more hazardous.
As the snow continues to fall, mountain rescue teams are advising anyone who had planned a day hiking or walking in the mountains and valleys of North Wales to reconsider.
A snowy landscape is a thing of beauty. However, with snow comes increased risk including plummeting temperatures; more difficulty gaining and maintaining foothold in slippery conditions; and navigating a route as the snow covers the landscape and visibility reduces. Such conditions can challenge even the most experienced and well-equipped adventurer.
A spokesman for NWMRA said:
“We know that the magnificent landscapes of North Wales already hold inherent challenges under less extreme weather conditions, and inevitably accidents do happen and people need to call upon mountain rescue services.
“In conditions such as today’s, it may take mountain rescue teams longer to reach someone who needs their help. This means that a casualty may be sat for several hours in the ice and snow – creating a real risk of hypothermia.
“The advice from experienced mountain rescue volunteers in today’s conditions is to reconsider if your plans involve travelling to more remote areas – the mountains and valleys will still be there when the weather conditions are less severe.
“If you are still thinking of heading out to more remote areas – ensure you have researched your route, the conditions you are likely to meet as you progress, and that you are fully equipped – not just with the specialist equipment required for snow, but for contingency should you have to await a mountain rescue team and stay warm and refuel. Then assess the risks and decide if today is the right day to make that journey.”
To find out more about staying safe while exploring outdoors, you can watch our safety information video https://www.nwmra.org/media
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North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA) comprises nine teams working together to cover the region and include some of the busiest areas in England and Wales. They are:
- Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team
- Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team
- Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team
- Môn-SAR lowland search and rescue
- North East Wales Search and Rescue
- North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation
- Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation
- SARDA Wales (Search and Rescue Dog Association)
- South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team
