NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/1/01
The weather continues tp be cold and clear, with a significant
easing in the Southerly wind. The weak layer continues to be
present and an avalanche incident was noted on a NNE aspect at
1000 metres in Coire an t-Sneachda.  The avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/1/01
Wind transport of snow will ease somewhat and the cool clear
weather is forecast to continue. The weak layer of buried surface 
hoar and facets will still be present. There will be significant
slab load from Southerly wind on West, North and East aspects
above 850 metres, where avalanches are likely.  The avalanche
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Little change on the plateau, some 
skiable slopes are loaded with wind slab.
ICING: Very little change.
COMMENT: Nineteen (19) people have been reported in 
avalanches this winter.  So far no injuries.  Special care 
required.


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/1/01
Areas of hard slab are present, mainly on steep N, NE and E 
facing slopes and gullies above 1000m. Southerly winds 
overnight have formed fresh slab on sheltered NW, N and NE 
aspects. Wind blown slopes are generally hard frozen and stable. 
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/1/01
Cold and dry conditions, with a SE airflow will continue for the 
forecast period. Isolated areas of hard slab will remain, mainly 
on steep NW through to NE and E aspects above 1000m. The 
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain above 
800m.
ICING: Remaining cold at all levels.
COMMENT: Large areas of water ice and old frozen snow 
present on many paths, even at lower altitudes


GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/1/01
Fresh SE winds have re-distributed snow onto more northerly 
aspects. NW to NE facing corrie headwalls and sheltered 
summit gullies contain pockets of dense windslab which is 
potentially unstable. The snowpack elsewhere above 750m is 
generally stable with a firm crust. Slopes exposed to the wind 
are icy. Avalanche hazard Moderate (Category 2).
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/1/01
The cold conditions will continue with little change to the 
snowpack. Pockets of dense layered windslab will exist in 
sheltered summit gullies and NW to NE corrie headwalls. 
Instabilities will remain within these layers particularly in steep 
locations. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). 
Elsewhere the snowpack will have a firm crust which will be icy 
on exposed slopes.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 750m.

ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 200m.

COMMENT: Routes such as NW Gully, Arch Gully and Deep 
Cut Chimney receiving ascents. Crampons and axe essential on 
icy corrie paths,headwalls and summit slopes.
 


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/1/01
The snow pack is generally well bonded but there is some 
surface instability on most aspects due to facet development. 
Deeper areas of windslab exist in sheltered locations on NW to 
NE aspects above 900 metres. Greatest hazard is to be found in 
gully exits where recent cornice development remains unstable. 
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/1/01
There will be little change to the current situation with areas of 
windslab existing in sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects 
above 900 metres. Within the snowpack facet development will 
continue producing widespread surface instability. The 
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 900 metres.

ICING: Continuing lean and variable.

COMMENT: High plateau areas giving enjoyable ski touring 
conditions.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/1/01
A light South East wind, cold temperatures and clear mountain 
conditions have had little change to present snowpack 
distribution. However isolated areas of highly unstable windslab 
still persist on North West through North East to South East 
aspects above 800 metres. Hard windslab is still covering a layer 
of depth hoar which is providing an efficient sliding surface. 
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/1/01
Cold and clear with a light South East wind will have little 
change to present snowpack conditions. Isolated areas of highly 
unstable windslab will remain on North West through North 
East to South East aspects above 800 metres. The avalanche 
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 750 metres, good 
cover on plateau.
ICING: Good on certain Post Face and Inner Coire routes. 
Certain routes have had a thrashing though!
COMMENT: Weather remaining awesome!!




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