NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 8/2/01 Light to moderate North-West winds are still contributing to snow transport. During the storm there was no significant warming: this has slowed the process of stabilization due to avalanche activity. Snowpack temperatures are cold and new crystal growth was observed. On slopes over 25 degrees there is slab on nearly all aspects above 650 metres that shears easily in field tests. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 9/2/01 There will be a general easing in the weather conditions with a few snow showers forecast and the freezing level staying well below avalanche starting zones. Due to the changing wind direction during the storm and slow stabilization, avalanches are likely on nearly all aspects above 650 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover for skinning around, some thin spots evident when turns are initiated. ICING: The steepest ice is showing through on Hells Lum Crag and Stag Rocks. COMMENT: The potential for deep release avalanches should be considered by the terrain, aspect and probing. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 8/2/01 The settled weather is starting to consolidate the snowpack. Large areas of unstable snow are however still present. Localised areas of unstable snow are present on many slope aspects. Greatest accumulations are on steep slopes and in gullies of a W through N to E aspect above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 9/2/01 The cold settled weather will continue through out the forecast period. Localised, and in places large areas of unstable snow are present on many slope aspects. Greatest accumulations are on steep slopes and in gullies of a W through N to E aspect above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow at all levels. ICING: Remaining cold. COMMENT: Unconsolidated snow in many corrie floors making walking arduous. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 8/2/01 Deep accumulations of windslab exist in all sheltered gullies and on many slopes. Greatest accumulations exist on slopes with a Northwest through North to Easterly aspect above 750 metres. Cold conditions overnight and today have maintained an unstable snowpack where deep windslab lies on steeper slopes. On slopes of a lesser angle stability has improved as a slightly firmer surface has developed on the snowpack. Avalanche debris observed on Easterly aspects at 900 metres possibly triggered by solar heating. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 9/2/01 It will remain cold with only a trace of new snow and fresh Northerly winds. This will not significantly alter the condition of the snowpack where deep windslab exists in sheltered gullies and on the steepest slopes with a West through North to East aspect. In these areas stability will remain poor. Elsewhere the snowpack will start to consolidate The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely on steep slopes. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 200m. ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 100m. COMMENT: Deep unstable windslab in many gullies; buttresses and ridges well plastered with recent snow. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 8/2/01 A strong wind crust and in some places an older thin melt freeze crust is protecting the snow from drifting in strong NW winds. Some consolidation has taken place but unstable areas can be found on any aspect. Surface hoar was noted in sheltered locations and unstable faceted crystals were beginning to develop within the snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 9/2/01 Conditions will remain much the same with only a trace of snow to add to the snowpack. Surface layers will be very poorly bonded due to development of faceted crystals and deeper instabilities will remain in the snowpack on all aspects. On steep slopes avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A real mix of hard, soft and crusty snow from valley level. ICING: Much is likely to be buried. COMMENT: Careful route choice required, plenty of opportunity to wander into avalanche terrain. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 8/2/01 Cold, calm conditions have continued with light Northerly winds. This has left accumulations of weakly bonded hard slab in sheltered gullies and hollows on East through South to South- West aspects above 800 metres. Fresh avalanche debris was noted on a South-East aspect in Coire Dubh. Although bright sunshine has helped the consolidation process the avalanche hazard remains Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 9/2/01 With only a trace of fresh snow on a light North-North-West becoming West wind, and further cold temperatures there will be little change to the current snow conditions. Weakly bonded hard slab will persist on sheltered lee slopes of an East through South to South-West aspect above 800 metres. Fresh cornices will remain unstable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels. Good touring above 600 metres. Heather covered breakable crust below that - lots of head plants! ICING: Remains very good but is mostly buried in snow. COMMENT: Thigh deep drifts on the Coire Ardair path. Skis recommended. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------