Oxenhope Watchpoint 05-04-2008

Blizzard on Approach (c) 2008

Scope off pod and "Drifted in".... Time to GO!! (c) 2008

0745 - 1045hr
W F2 then NE F4 then N F5, severe snow squall, 2degc rising, 50m - 60km vis, 8/8 initially 4/8, QNH1017 falling.

Initially gentle west air, hazy but heavily overcast and mipits were moving north. Then at 0820hr it was obvious that the wind was on the change with an approaching snow storm visible which savagely struck shortly afterwards with a NE blast and falling temperatures. The severe blizzard lasted for c45 minutes. Initially in the storm several mipits were seen to move past the watchpoint but this soon came to a stop as the snow got worse. The watchpoint was evacuated and shelter in the car sought!! After the snow and front passed the wind stabilised at N F5 but whilst a few mipits still proceeded north and three Curlew passed overhead south the "morning" was over for the vis.

Moving Birds:
Meadow Pipit 46 > N
Curlew 3 > S
Kestrel 5 influx
Wheatear 7 influx

Dave

Blizzard Evacuate Evacuate!! (c) 2008

After the Snow.... Great Whernside in "White" (c) 2008

The Thaw sets In (c) 2008