Drifting snow forces Wester Ross road closure at Bealach na Ba with slush now an issue across swathe of the network
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A NOTORIOUS mountain pass in Wester Ross was closed today after high winds and drifting snow made conditions unsafe.
The Bealach na Bà approach to Applecross took another hammering amid the latest Met Office weather warning for snow and ice.
A new weather warning for ice is due to kick in today at 5pm and runs until Friday at 10am.
Highland Council's morning roads report meanwhile states that in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, an assessment will be made later today on the the Bealach na Bà to establish whether or not it is safe to re-open.
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The report says: "A fair bit of snow and slush across the network this morning. The Fain has drifting snow. Ledmore to Ullapool is in good order. The A890 is passable. The Mam Ratagan is in good order too. All routes are being treated and there were no reported overnight issues."
Ross and Cromarty East: An inch of fresh snow through the night with ongoing rain, sleet, and snow showers along with negative road temperatures forecast for the first half of this morning. Drifting snow causing some problems especially between Rosemarkie and Cromarty. All routes being treated. Caution advised on any any untreated surfaces.
High winds have caused issues with drifting and on some bridges.
Lochaber: Cold road surface temperatures overnight. Light snow with 1 inch over high ground and a dusting at lower levels. Treatments continuing by priority however some minor roads are very icy and driver caution is advised. No issues reported overnight.
Caithness: Good snow showers first thing turning to slush up to 2 to 3 inches in areas. All routes being gritted and bladed. Treatment ongoing. No overnight issues reported.
Badenoch and Strathspey: No snow overnight. Negative temperatures throughout the area with compacted snow on routes. All routes to be treated by blading and gritting. Primary and secondary routes to be given priority. No known overnight issues.
Nairn: Fresh drop of snow on the higher routes overnight, about 2cm. Frosty and icy patches on lower routes. All routes to be treated today with priority given to primary and secondary routes. no known overnight issues.
Inverness: 1 inch of snow cover from overnight showers on low roads and main high roads with the fresh covering on top of old hard packed/frozen snow on high side roads. Gritters heading out on all routes.
Sutherland: A lot of slush on most routes. Blading off well. Up to 4 inches of snow and slight drifting on the high ground. Inland around Crask up to 8 inches. All routes being treated according to Council policy. Secondary routes treated as resources permit. No known overnight issues.
Skye and Raasay: Very cold night with road surface temperatures well below zero. Light dusting of new snow with up to 1 inch on higher ground. Widespread icy patches. Treatment currently ongoing on Primary and Secondary Routes.
Maps of the council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
The council states: "The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling."
