Compared to the highs of over 2,000 that were noted in the 1970s and 1980s, it is far lower.
This century, the two lowest years have likewise decreased, with only 31 in 2003 and 53 in 2017.
The survey’s current leader, Iain Cameron, stated: “It tells you very much that there’s less snow than there used to be.” That is beyond dispute.”
“I’m not shocked by it, unfortunately,” he continued. The past few years have shown “just [too little] snow.”
The Cairngorms and the hills around them are covered by the survey, although the Ben Nevis region is not.
Any remaining snow patch, no matter how big or small, is counted.
Since 1974, the survey has been conducted on July 1st or shortly thereafter each year. These days, the snow usually melts by the end of September.
“I think all snow is going to disappear completely again this year, for the third year in a row,” remarked Cameron.
