NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/12/00
The rain eased off leaving virtually no snow below 1000m.  
Southerly winds have dried and tightened in the surface 
instability previously reported.  Some small loose snow patches 
still exist on steep ground.  The avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/12/00
Where the snowpack is deeper than 50 centimetres the stability 
will remain reasonably good in the forecast dry conditions.  
Some instability may be present in small isolated patches of thin 
snow on steep wet ground.  The avalanche hazard will be 
Moderate (Category 2). 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Some snow travel possible on large 
patches above 1100 metres.
ICING:  Patchy ice on some routes.		  
COMMENT:  Good day for a walk.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/12/00
Dry settled conditions overnight have led to a general 
stabilisation of the snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Low 
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/12/00
The warm, settled conditions are expected to continue through 
out the forecast period. The snowpack will remain generally 
stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations  remain in N 
and E facing corries above 1000m.
ICING: Areas of water ice exist on paths and open slopes 
above 800m.
COMMENT: Limited climbing.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/12/00
Mild conditions have thoroughly moistened the snow cover at 
all levels.  The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable.  
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/12/00
The mild airstream will continue to affect the area.  No new 
snow or icing is expected for Friday.  The snowpack will remain 
generally stable at all levels, maintaining a Low (Category 1) 
avalanche hazard.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow cover above 800m.
ICING: No new ice is expected to form during the period and 
any new ice is thawing.
COMMENT: Mild conditions prevail.  Limited snow climbing 
conditions.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/12/00
The continuing thaw has moistened the snow at all levels with 
slush developing over a firmer layer within the snowpack. 
Localised areas of moderately bonded snow exist on steep 
slopes on N to E aspects above 950 metres. The avalanche 
hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/12/00
Thaw conditions will persist resulting in continued moistening 
of the remaining snowpack. Some moderately bonded areas will 
remain on steep slopes on N to E aspects above 950 metres 
maintaining a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy; most amounts to be found 
above 950 metres in N to E facing corries.

ICING: Subject to thaw conditions at all levels.

COMMENT: Very poor climbing conditions; continued hazard 
of rock fall as thaw persists. 



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/12/00
Mild conditions with no further precipitation  have aided 
consolidation of the remaining snowpack.  Very localised areas 
of sub-surface hard slab persist on steep North-West through to 
North-East aspects above 900 metres.  This has led to a 
Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/12/00
With the freezing level remaining above the summits, there will 
be  little change to present snow conditions.  Isolated areas of 
sub-surface  slab will persist on North-West through to North -
East aspects above 900 metres.  The avalanche hazard will 
remain Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover above 850 metres, 
main accumulations remaining in gullies and hollows.
ICING: Hazard from falling ice in present conditions.
COMMENT: Although continuing mild, at least it's dry!.




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