LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 Small localised deposits of windslab are present, mainly in sheltered locations on Northerly aspects. In these localised areas, the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack is generally stable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/2/99 Light snow showers and SW winds will continue through out the period. Localised areas of windslab will continue to form in sheltered locations on N, NE and E aspects above 1000m. Where significant accumulations are present, the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack will be generally stable. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remaining above 700m. ICING: Freezing level remaining at around 800m. COMMENT: Strong SW winds continuing on the summits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 Slightly milder temperatures and now new significant snowfall has helped to stabilise the recent windslab deposits. Some moderately well bonded wet slab exists on NE to NW slopes at altitudes below 950m. Elsewhere good stability exists, with spring snow conditions. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/3/99 Very light snow and strong SW winds will lead to new light deposits on N to NE slopes above 900m These deposits will be mostly insignificant and should stabilise quickly. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) where new deposits are greatest. Elsewhere stability will remain good. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy spring snow above 650m, with good cover above 950m. ICING: The slight freeze thaw conditons will improve the ice in gullies, and on high buttresses. COMMENT: Strong SW winds and light showery weather to continue with freezing level around 900m ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 Slightly milder temperatures and no new significant snowfall has helped to stabilise the recent windslab deposits. Some moderately well bonded wet slab exists on NE to NW slopes at altitudes below 950m where the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere, good stability exists, with spring snow conditions. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/3/99 Very light snow and strong SW winds will lead to new light deposits on N to NE slopes above 900m These deposits will be mostly insignificant and should stabilise quickly. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) where new deposits are greatest. Elsewhere stability will remain good. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy spring snow above 650m, with good cover above 950m. ICING: The slight freeze thaw conditons will improve the ice in gullies, and on high buttresses. COMMENT: Strong SW winds and light showery weather to continue with freezing level around 900m ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 With only a trace of fresh snow on the mountain, all aspects have remained well bonded and stable. Milder temperatures have softened the snowpack slightly but it has not caused any instability. Be aware that although slopes and gullies are stable, some very large cornices are evident above N through E to S aspects and their possible collapse is governed by many other factors. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/3/99 Light snow on strong SW wind will cause shallow accumulations of windslab to form in sheltered gullies and hollows of N to E aspect above 850m. All other aspects will remain well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) in the above mentioned, isolated, areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 400m. Excellent ski-touring conditions. ICING: Most routes in good condition, although softer and collapsing at lower altitudes. COMMENT: A very cosmopolitan Creag Meagaidh today, with lots of bewildered looking foreigners about! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 The period of poorest stability has now passed, although areas of windslab still exist on mainly N aspects. Stability has improved with the return of cooler conditions and consolidation of these accumulations is ongoing. A localised Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche exists in these worst locations. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/3/99Light snow showers with fresh SW winds throughout the period will give potential for new accumulations of windblown snow on N to NE aspects. Any new amounts are expected to be small and only isolated pockets of windslab are likely to develop. Where these accumulations are greatest a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche will prevail. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good down to 700m. Heavier/wetter snow below 900m to lowest elevations ICING: Variable. Fluctuating temperatures promoting some improvement. COMMENT: Fair all-round conditions for most mountain activities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 12/3/99 The strong SW airflow has brought a dusting of fresh snow to ground above 700m this afternoon. In general the snowpack is well bonded with W through to N facing summit slopes remaining firm, icy and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) where pockets of soft slab lie on N through to E slopes and sheltered summit gullies. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 13/3/99 The showery SW airflow will persist bringing flurries of snow to ground above 650m. Windslab will accumulate in sheltered areas on N through to E facing slopes. Isolated pockets of deeper soft slab will be present in summit gullies. In these locations the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack will be generally stable. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m. ICING: Thawing ice above 500m. COMMENT: Freezing level 900m: summit buttresses and gullies remain firm. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------