Snow and Avalanche Report
Issued at 17.15 hrs Monday 18/12/2000
A dry day with summit temperatures still below freezing has 
prevailed over Highland ranges.  The North-West, including 
Torridon, has had the best of the clear weather, with the 
Cairngorms having quite a windy day.  Winds in all mountain 
areas have been Southerly.  The Ross-shire hills now have 
appreciable snow cover, with some snow above 800m in Skye 
also. Glencoe and Lochaber also have recent snow above 750 
metres, but main accumulations in all areas other than Ross-
shire still consist of old re-frozen snow in corries and gullies 
above 900 metres.  In the Cairngorms, areas of snow-ice still 
exist on the plateaux.  Recent drifting on Southerly winds has 
created some areas of windslab on Northerly aspects above 
900 metres.  In addition, some areas of medium slab still exist 
on E and S aspects above 900 metres.  The avalanche hazard 
is Moderate (Category 2).

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Tuesday 19/12/2000
The cold SE airflow will be maintained during Tuesday, with 
freezing levels below the summits in all main Highland ranges.  
Snow showers will be light, but strong winds will continue to 
build areas of slab on all Northerly aspects.  Above 900 metres 
in most mountain areas, this will lie on old snow-ice and 
instabilities will be present.  The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3).

Note: This Report will be updated on Tuesday 19/12/2000.  
Detailed daily Reports for 5 areas will commence on 
20/12/2000.




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