LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/1/01
Localised areas of unstable wet snow are present, mainly on 
steep NW, N and NE aspects. Above 1200m, some stabilisation 
has taken place due to slightly cooler conditions. The avalanche 
hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/1/01
The mild spell is expected to continue with rain at all but the 
highest levels. Areas of unstable wet snow will be present, 
mainly on steep NW, N and NE aspects. The avalanche hazard 
will be Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow line gradually receding up the 
mountain.
ICING: Thawing at all levels.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions continuing to deteriorate.



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CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/1/01
Mild conditions with light rain on a moderate South West wind 
combined with freezing levels above the summits has left a 
generally depleted snowpack. However isolated areas of 
partially bonded wet slab still exist at the tops of sheltered 
gullies and hollows of a North West to North East aspect above 
900 metres. The avalanche hazard is 
Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/1/01
Light rain on a strong South West wind and freezing levels 
above the summits will continue to deplete the snowpack. Very 
isolated areas of moderately bonded wet slab will persist in 
sheltered gullies and hollows of a North West to North East 
aspect above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be 
Moderate (Category 2).
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations lie in gullies of 
a Northerly aspect.

ICING: Still plenty of ice, hope it survives the thaw.

COMMENT: I hope winter arrives soon!



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SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/1/01
Although surface layers are moist at all levels cooler drier snow 
remains within the snow pack and instability persists in deeper 
accumulations found above 950 metres on mainly NW through 
to SE aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 
3). Shallow snow packs are wet but generally well bonded.
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/1/01
As the thaw continues further consolidation will take place with 
the majority of the snow becoming stable. Moderately bonded 
layers will persist in deeper deposits above 1000 metres. These 
are to be found in mainly sheltered locations on NW through to 
SE aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 
2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Superficial cover thawing rapidly 
but deeper drifts surviving above 900 metres.

ICING: Subject to thaw conditions.

COMMENT: Thaw continuing through Wednesday.



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/1/01
Light rain below 1000 metres, a trace of snow over the high 
country and continued Southerly winds were the main weather 
features for the period.  An avalanche was triggered on North 
aspect at about 1000 metres.  There has been some settlement of 
the snowpack but the weak layer still exists with quite 
widespread distribution on a variety of aspects above 800 
metres.  The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/1/01
The elevation boundaries of the rain and sleet will be the critical 
value during the forecast period.  Continued Southerly winds 
will see cornice growth on North aspect.  Avalanches are likely 
on North aspects above 800 metres, specially larger terrain 
features with convex rolls.  Once again the reported avalanche 
occurred due to the weak layer on the bed surface crust.  It's 
worth digging to look for it.  The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category3). 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Not much change from less than 
average for the time of year.    
ICING: Some growth noted in the near freeze conditions.
COMMENT:  It's worth checking out the distribution of the 
buried surface hoar for safety and interest.


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