Fell Top Assessors Commence Seasonal Monitoring

The initial ascent of the season has been completed by two newly appointed fell top assessors, whose role involves furnishing crucial reports on prevailing conditions. New recruits Paddy Cave and Jim Evans are set to join Zac Poulton in daily ascents to the summit of Helvellyn throughout the period from December to March. At an altitude of 950m (3,117 ft), they collect data concerning temperature, snow depth, and wind speed. This data contributes to the Weatherline service, an operation that has been active for 37 years. Mr. Cave and Mr. Evans initially encountered each other two years prior, during a skiing excursion on Helvellyn, and expressed satisfaction at being able to apply their abilities effectively. The choice of Helvellyn was made due to its status as the most frequented fell and its prominent east-facing headwall, which is conducive to retaining snow and ice. Funding for these positions is provided by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), an organization that additionally provides winter skills training courses. Mr. Evans, a resident of Ambleside, has engaged in mountaineering activities since the age of 15. Furthermore, he serves as a volunteer for the Langdale Mountain Rescue Team and holds qualifications as a winter mountaineer and climbing instructor. “I’m now in my 50s and I probably could have done with a report back in those early days,” Mr. Evans stated in an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria. Mr. Cave commented that it was “really great to able to use our skills”. He added, “The reports themselves are incredibly useful.” He further explained, “The valley level weather gives you very little reading on what the weather is like up in the hills at altitude,” and continued, “It can be wet down in the valley but can be full winter conditions on the fells.” He concluded by stating that the collected information is crucial for individuals to formulate their plans. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.