Snow and Avalanche Report
Issued at 17.30 hrs Tuesday 19/12/2000
A cloudy day with strong SE winds over the summits has 
affected most Highland mountain areas.  There has been 
drifting, along with some fresh snow at higher levels.  Snow 
cover is now fairly general, although the snowline varies from 
around 650 metres in Lochaber and the North Cairngorms to 
350 metres in the Torridon hills.  Slab and unconsolidated 
snow lies on old snow-ice in many locations above 900 
metres, with most recent build-up on Northerly aspects.  In 
affected areas, including the Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, 
Lochaber and some higher locations in Glencoe, the 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). 

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Wednesday 20/12/2000
Most Highland ranges will be affected by strong SE to 
Southerly winds with moderate to heavy precipitation, which 
will fall as snow for a time above 700 metres.  Milder 
conditions with rain overnight and during Wednesday will then 
move into all areas.  The snowpack will become wet and 
recent deposits lying on old snow-ice will become unstable.  
Northerly aspects above 900 metres will be most affected, 
although recent slab deposits on other aspects will also be 
unstable.  Avalanches are likely on corrie headwalls, scarp 
slopes, crag aprons and in gully tops and other locations 
where the old snow underlies.  The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3).

Note: Detailed daily Reports for 5 areas begin tomorrow 
20/12/2000.




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