NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 2/1/02
There was a strong Southerly wind and a mostly sunny day with 
lots of snow transport evident.  Where tested in Coire an 
Lochain (Twin Burns) the stability of the new slab was good.  
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).   

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 3/1/02
There is no precipitation forecast but the winds will be stronger
from the South and remain cold. There will be very isolated
pockets of slab instability on steep North aspect unsupported
convex terrain above 900 metres.  The avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: On the plateau there is still a wide 
variety of snow, ice and nearly bare ground conditions.  
ICING: Some routes showing a slight increase in cover; others 
a net loss due to ice axe/crampon activity.
COMMENT: Still careful terrain choice required to avoid the 
pockets of instability.

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 2/1/02
Strong Southerly winds have built localised areas of windslab in 
sheltered locations. Significant accumulations are in gullies and 
corrie headwalls with a NW to NE aspect above 1000m. Many 
East and South East facing corries are being scoured by the 
strong winds. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 
3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 3/1/02
Strong Southerly winds continuing through out the period. 
Localised areas of fresh windslab will continue to form, mainly 
in gullies and corrie headwalls with a NW to NE aspect above 
1000m. Many East and South East facing corries will continue 
to be scoured by the strong winds. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow still lying at all levels.
ICING: Remaining cold through out the period.
COMMENT: Strong winds again on Thursday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 2/1/02
Fresh Southerly winds have transported and redistributed snow
on to most Northerly aspects above 800 metres. Isolated areas of
windslab have formed above 850 metres mainly at the top of 
summit gullies but also in other sheltered Northerly aspects. The
avalanche hazard in these areas is Considerable (Category 3), 
elsewhere the snow-pack is generally stable.
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 3/1/02
Very light snow-showers but mainly dry conditions with strong 
Southerly winds will affect the area. Fresh areas of unstable 
windslab will form as redistribution of the existing snowpack 
continues. Greatest accumulations are expected to form on 
North-West to East facing slopes and in sheltered gullies mainly
above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3) where deep windslab has formed on steep slopes. 
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m. Deep soft snow 
in some higher gullies General cover remains thin.
ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 250m. 
COMMENT: Light cover of snow on ridges and buttresses. 
Remaining cold.   


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 2/1/02
The snowpack continues to be cold and dry with deposits 
available for wind transportation. Fresh S winds are building 
weakly bonded windslab in sheltered locations on N aspects. 
These have still to become significant in depth. Moderately 
bonded snow exists in steeper sheltered locations on E to S 
aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 3/1/02
Gale force winds will cause significant drifting of dry light 
deposits. Windslab will rapidly build in very sheltered locations 
on N aspects. Stability will be poor where redistributed deposits 
lie over firmer snow ice on steeper ground. Unstable cornices 
will form on N aspects. Moderately bonded snow will persist in 
steeper sheltered locations on E to S aspects. The avalanche 
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deepest on E to S aspects.
ICING: Would benefit from a melt/freeze cycle.
COMMENT: Expect strong winds on Thursday.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 2/1/02
Isolated areas of deep unstable windslab still exist on North-East 
through East to South-West aspects above 850 metres; sheltered 
gullies, hollows and the tops of steep sheltered slopes are most
affected but can generally be avoided. However increasing 
strong winds from the South have begun snow movement to 
West through North to North-East aspects above 850 metres and 
fresh windslab deposits although shallow at present have begun 
building. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) in 
above mentioned areas.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 3/1/02
Cold temperatures combined with a strong to gale force 
Southerly wind will continue substantial snow transportation 
through out the forecast period. Fresh unconsolidated windslab 
will build on West through North to North-East aspects above 
850 metres. Sheltered gullies, hollows and the tops of steep 
sheltered slopes will be most affected. The avalanche hazard
will remain Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Varying depths due to drifting, but 
cover at all levels.
ICING: Good on exposed watercourses, still a lot of 
unconsolidated snow in-between.
COMMENT: Yet another shades and factor 50 day. Long may 
it last!




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