Table of Contents
- Parking Issues in Snowdonia
- Current Weather Warnings
- Mountain Rescue Concerns
- Safety Advice for Visitors
- Frequently Asked Questions
POLICE have criticized tourists for their “ridiculous parking” habits as they rush to capture images of Snowdonia’s stunning snowy peaks.
Many visitors to the largest national park have ignored safety guidelines and parked dangerously close to the mountain despite treacherous road conditions and avalanche warnings.
Tourists have been criticized by police for their “ridiculous parking”Credit: WNS
Police are “disappointed” by the blatant disregard for weather warnings by visitorsCredit: Getty
Recently, the beloved region, also known as Eryri, has been covered in snow, attracting numerous tourists eager to capture the picturesque winter scenery and share their photos online.
However, North Wales authorities are “disappointed” by the blatant disregard for weather warnings, as visitors park “irresponsibly” on icy roads that are at risk of avalanches.
Throughout the week, urgent weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across nearly the entire country, as the aftermath of Storm Goretti continues to impact the UK.
The southwest coast has been battered by strong winds and heavy rain, while parts of Wales and the north have experienced significant snowfall.
Residents are already facing the severe consequences of the storm, with fallen trees damaging homes and vehicles, and road conditions becoming perilous.
Despite these potential dangers, many individuals have ignored the warnings and attempted to hike up the mountain to obtain the perfect photograph.
Earlier this week, mountain rescue teams in the Wales area cautioned about “possible avalanches, particularly where paths run close to steep terrain.”
This is where many visitors have parked, at the base of steep mountainsides, which police state puts themselves and others at “serious” risk of injury.
The police have indicated that vehicles could be seized and towed away if they are found to be parked unsafely.
Inspector Jason Diamond from North Wales Police stated: “We recognize that the area is exceptionally beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail.
“Leaving vehicles at the edges of snow-lined roads and forcing others into the paths of oncoming vehicles not only increases the chance of returning to a damaged vehicle but also significantly heightens the risk of serious personal injury.
“While seizing vehicles left in hazardous situations is always an option, it needs to be carefully managed under such conditions.
“Although some may not be, we always prioritize safety.”
Local councillor Craig ab Iago from Cyngor Gwynedd urged visitors to regularly check Met Office updates to stay informed while visiting the area.
The police have stated that vehicles could be seized and towed away if deemed unsafeCredit: WNS
Mountain rescue teams are concerned that hikers may find themselves in danger due to harsh conditionsCredit: Alamy
For those planning to visit popular spots like Pen y Pass, he advised to “park responsibly and not block the road for others,” and to consider using the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service.
He continued: “Our officers will collaborate with partners from other authorities to keep the road clear.
“Given the mountainous and rural nature of the area, visitors should also remember that weather can impact the roads, affecting public transport as well.
“Please check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out.”
In a Facebook post published on Thursday, the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team expressed their concerns about hikers being unprepared for the severe and unpredictable conditions on the mountain.
They warned of dangerous conditions on Yr Wyddfa where paths are “unrecognizable and buried under snow,” emphasizing the importance of good navigation skills in such conditions.
The post stated: “Recent observations indicate areas of unstable snow, with cornices forming in several locations near the mountain's summit.
“These overhanging snow features can be difficult to detect, especially in poor visibility, and may collapse without warning.
“In certain situations, this could lead to serious falls or trigger localized avalanches, particularly where paths run close to steep terrain.”
On average, around eight people lose their lives in Snowdonia each year due to challenging terrain and inexperienced or unprepared hikers
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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