Dog Rescued After Falling Through Snow Ledge on Mountain
A dog named Aggie was rescued after falling through an overhanging ledge of snow and spending a cold night on a mountain in the Highlands. Aggie was one of five dogs that encountered trouble on Sunday during a hike near the 3,061ft (933m) summit of Fionn Bheinn, close to Achnasheen.
Four of the dogs were rescued after they fell through the cornice, but Aggie was not immediately found after landing in Coire Toll Mhor, a large hollow beneath the summit.
The following morning, three members of the Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team, along with Aggie's owner and a local deer stalker, conducted a search. Aggie was eventually located and rescued.
One mountain rescue volunteer was lowered by rope into the coire to reach Aggie. The team reported that she was a little cold but "none the worse" after spending the night high on the mountain in snowy conditions.
Risks of Cornices Highlighted
Team leader Iain Nesbitt emphasized the dangers posed by cornices in such environments.
"The incident highlighted the risks posed by cornices."
Cornices are ledges of snow that form in strong winds and overhang the edges of steep slopes. They can be difficult to detect, increasing the risk for hikers and their pets.
