NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 13/2/01
A maximum temperature of -2 degrees at the summit of 
Cairngorm has contributed to a tightening in of the snowpack 
and settlement over time since the storm.  Moderate SW winds 
are still moving snow on to NE aspects above 1000 metres.  In
field tests easy shears are still evident.  The avalanche hazard is 
Considerable (Category 3).  

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 14/2/01
Another dry day is forecast for the region.  Pockets of instability 
will persist due to the deep weakness but generally snowpack 
stability will be fair to good.  The main aspect and elevation of 
concern will be North and East above 900 metres.  The 
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Full cover on plateau, some icy 
sections.
ICING:  Sweep off the snow and there's a little more ice down 
there.
COMMENT: For the keen observer mature depth hoar is still 
available to look at in numerous locations.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 13/2/01
The current settled conditions have had little effect on the 
existing snowpack. Localised areas of windslab are present, but 
these are generally restricted to scarp slopes above 1100 metres
with a NE and E aspect. The avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 14/2/01
The settled weather is expected to continue throughout the 
forecast period. Little change is expected to the existing snow 
conditions. Areas of unstable snow will generally be restricted 
to scarp slopes above 1100 metres with a NE and E aspect. The
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good general cover above 700m.
ICING: Ice melting where exposed to the sun, elsewhere hard 
frozen.
COMMENT: Hazard of falling ice and rocks in areas exposed 
to the sun.


GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 13/2/01
Dry conditions and colder temperatures have continued to
re-freeze the old snow. The snowpack above 600 metres has a firm
icy crust overlying wet snow which is generally stable. Slopes
receiving morning sun develop a thin sun crust in the afternoon.
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 14/2/01
Settled conditions will continue but with freezing level forecast
at 2700 metres. This will soften the surface layer of the
snowpack and render cornices unstable. Although soft and moist
the snowpack will further consolidate and remain generally
stable. On steep scarp slopes wet snow will be moderately bonded
and the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Firm snow above 600m.
                                                                                                   
ICING: Icy paths and rocks above 400m.

COMMENT: Classic gullies such as Twisting, Forked etc. 
receiving ascents. 



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 13/2/01
The majority of the snowpack has a strong melt freeze-crust but
the surface layers have begun to soften in the warmer 
temperatures. Deeper within the snowpack colder dry snow and 
some instability continues to exist. Moderately bonded areas are 
to be found in mainly sheltered locations above 900 metres on 
NE through to SE aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate 
(Category 2).
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 14/2/01
The snowpack will be subject to severe thaw conditions at all 
levels causing stronger surface layers to soften and stability to 
become suspect. The snowpack will be moderately to weakly 
bonded with greatest hazard on steeper slopes above 800 metres 
on all aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3). Remaining cornices will be suspect.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover from 750 metres.
ICING: Subject to severe thaw conditions.
COMMENT: Hazard of rock and ice fall during thaw.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 13/2/01
It has been a dry and clear day with a strong South-West wind.
Thaw-freeze cycle is continuing to improve general snowpack
stability. However moderately bonded windslab still persists on
North through East to South-West aspects above 850 metres: steep
slopes and lee slopes below cornices are particularly affected.
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the
snowpack is well bonded and stable. Cornices are becoming
increasingly unstable as temperatures rise throughout the day.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 14/2/01
A dry and very mild day is forecast, with freezing levels well above the
summits and a strong South-West wind. Moderately bonded
windslab will persist on North through East to South-West
aspects above 850 metres. The avalanche hazard will remain 
Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack will be well 
bonded and stable. Increased risk of cornice collapse in mild 
conditions.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Depleted at lower levels, still good 
cover above 750 metres.
ICING: Plenty ice remaining at higher levels, thaw-freeze cycle
improving build up.
COMMENT: Watch out for those cornices, some monsters 
remaining.




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