Snow and Avalanche Report
Issued at 17.30 hrs Sunday 17/12/2000
Most Highland ranges, particularly in the East and North, have 
had a dry day, after some light snowfall overnight in places. 
Northern ranges such as the Torridon hills now have  snow to 
lower levels. Recent accumulations are generally light and 
although some slab exists on Northerly aspects,  it is mostly 
avoidable. Some slab exists on  E and S aspects such as the 
approach to Hell's Lum Crag in the Northern Cairngorms.  The 
old snowpack is frozen after recent colder conditions. 
Remaining accumulations are in higher corries and gullies 
mainly above 900 metres.  Some easier gullies are complete, 
and  climbing conditions are gradually improving, with  a little 
ice in places and turf now frozen.  However, the wind picked 
up from the South quite early in the day, starting to re-
distribute recently-fallen snow as windslab on to Northerly 
aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).  
 
Avalanche Hazard Outlook Monday 18/12/2000
Somewhat milder conditions will begin to affect Highland 
ranges.  Moderate SE to S winds accompanied by light snow 
showers will continue to build windslab on all Northerly 
aspects, mainly above 900 metres. On E and S aspects some 
slab deposits will remain. Although new slab build-up will be 
localised and mainly affecting gully-heads and scarp slopes, 
new snow instabilities will exist. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3). 


Note: This report will be updated on Monday 18/12/2000.  
Detailed daily Reports for 5 areas will commence on 
20/12/2000.




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