NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 28/12/01
There is forty to fifty centimetres of foot penetration in 
unconsolidated low density snow.  This alternates with areas of 
nearly bare ground.  Strong North-East winds and heavy snow 
have created slow travel conditions in a generally poor stability 
snowpack.  Avalanche starting zone cover is increasing rapidly 
above 1000 metres particularly on Southerly aspects.  The 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 29/12/01
Continued cool temperatures and additional snow showers will 
maintain the existing instability.  The exit slopes of some gully 
heads will alternate between a scoured snow-ice surface and 
deep unconsolidated accumulations. The approaches to Hell's 
Lum Crag and other South-Easterly aspect terrain are a particular
concern.   The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 
3).  

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Increasing at all elevations.
ICING:  There have been complaints about the lack of ice and 
firm turf. 
COMMENT: Climbers observed to back off 'Procrastination';  
seems the appropriate action given the conditions and name of 
route.


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 28/12/01
Milder conditions at the start of the forecast period have helped 
consolidate the existing snowpack, leaving a breakable crust at 
most levels. However, colder conditions and snow showers later 
overnight have continued to form deposits of weakly bonded 
soft slab in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations are in 
steep gullies, hollows and scarp slopes with a NE to SE through 
to S aspect above 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 29/12/01
Colder conditions with occasional snow showers during the 
forecast period will see little change. Weakly bonded soft slab 
will be present in sheltered locations, mainly in steep gullies, 
hollows and scarp slopes with a NE to SE through to S aspect, 
above 900m.  The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow lying above 400m.
ICING: Remaining cold at all levels.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions improving, with quite a few 
parties out today (Friday) on Aonach Mor.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 28/12/01
Stormy conditions last night and new snow formed unstable 
accumulations of soft windslab mainly on the higher East facing 
slopes and in the tops of sheltered gullies. These accumulations 
are of a localised nature and are generally avoidable. In many 
other areas the strong winds have reduced the snow cover. In 
localised areas where windslab exists the avalanche hazard is 
Considerable (Category 3). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 29/12/01
A cold North-Westerly airflow overnight and on Saturday will
affect the area. With only a slight risk of isolated snow showers
little change will occur to the general snow cover. Instabilities 
will remain in deeper accumulations of windslab. These will 
mainly be around the tops of steep East facing slopes and
sheltered gullies above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2)


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow lying above 300m.
ICING: Ice continues to form on rocks above 400m. 
COMMENT: Light cover of new snow on ridges and buttresses 


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 28/12/01
Strong to gale force winds with heavy snow have continued to 
build deposits in very sheltered locations on E to S aspects. 
Some accumulations have become substantial with hard 
windslab over soft slab. The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3). Cornices are reforming.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 29/12/01
Little will change with E to S aspects continuing to hold most 
snow. In deeper areas of windslab stability will remain marginal 
on steeper slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3). Cornices will be suspect.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Deeper areas on S aspects, lacks a 
good base in some areas.

ICING: Watercourses are likely to give best conditions.

COMMENT: Only isolated snow showers during the day. 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 28/12/01
Heavy snow showers on a gale force North Westerly wind 
combined with significant drifting has accumulated fresh 
unstable windslab deposits on North-East to South aspects 
above 800 metres. Sheltered gullies and hollows of above 
mentioned aspects remain most affected, an easy shear of deep
windslab deposits was obtained on a North-Easterly aspect. The 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) with avalanches 
likely. 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 29/12/01
Moderate snow showers on a strong North-Westerly wind will 
continue tonight and through the day. Drifting will continue to 
build deep unstable deposits of windslab on North-East through 
East to South aspects above 800 metres. Sheltered gullies and 
hollows of the above mentioned aspects will be most affected.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) with 
avalanches likely. Fresh unstable cornices will continue to build 
throughout the forecast period. 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Improving cover at all levels, still a 
bit thin for ski touring.
ICING: Poor and buried.
COMMENT: Hard going on Sron a Ghoire with waist deep 
drifts!!.




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