Snow and Avalanche Report
Issued at 16.45 hrs Friday 8/12/2000
Mild conditions  with  some rain have continued to deplete the  
snowpack in Highland ranges. The avalanche hazard in areas 
where substantial deposits exist, mainly above 900 metres in 
the Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber and some higher 
locations in Glencoe, is Moderate (Category 2).  Main 
accumulations are on corrie headwalls but some easy gullies 
are still complete.  Northern ranges such as the Torridon hills 
have little snow. 

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Saturday/Sunday 9-10/12/2000
During Saturday a lowering of freezing levels will take place to 
around the highest summits in Lochaber and the Cairngorms.  
Heavy precipitation in the West will fall as wet snow at the 
highest levels and accumulations in Lochaber, particularly on 
N and E aspects, are likely to be substantial.  The Cairngorms 
will be drier and snow accumulations should not be great.  On 
Sunday, some new snow accumulation will take place above 
900 metres and with strong SW winds, drifting and slab 
accumulation are likely in all Highland ranges.  Any new 
accumulations, where lying on old re-frozen snow, mainly in 
gullies and crag aprons on N and E aspects above 900 
metres, will show poor stability. Amongst the areas affected 
will be the Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber and some 
higher locations in Glencoe. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely, 
particularly on slope aspects and altitudes indicated in 
Lochaber. 
Note: This Report will be reviewed on Monday, 11/12/2000.  
Detailed daily Reports for 5 areas will commence on 
20/12/2000.


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