CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/2/02 Some redistribution has taken place with fresh shallow deposits of weakly bonded windslab present on West to North aspects above 850 metres. However deep deposits of windslab also still exist on North through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Although slightly milder conditions are slowly aiding consolidation of surface layers, deep sub-surface instabilities still exist. The avalanche hazard remains High (Category 4). Field tests still produce very easy shearing of deep slab and slab avalanche activity was observed on an Easterly aspect. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/2/02 Snow is to continue through out the forecast period on strong South-West winds. Deep weakly bonded windslab will continue to build on North through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4) and avalanches will occur. Deep sub-surface instabilities are present at depths of 80-100cms. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thigh deep drifts on track. ICING: Good on steep aspects but remains horribly buried generally. COMMENT: Large suspect cornices above North and East aspects. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/2/02 New snow today has added further layers of windslab to the existing deep accumulations that exist on NW through to SE facing slopes and in all sheltered gullies above 800m. Temperatures have risen through the morning leading to further instabilities within the snowpack. Where deep accumulations of windslab exist on steep slopes bonding to the underlying older snow ice remains suspect. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Avalanche activity noted in Crowberry gully today. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/2/02 New snow overnight and on Tuesday morning with strong SW winds. Accumulations of windslab will form on slopes with a NNW through to E aspect and in all sheltered gullies above 800m. The old snowpack will begin to consolidate above 800m as temperatures fall during the day. However avalanches are likely to occur where deep new windslab has formed in sheltered areas particularly on steep slopes with a NNW through to E aspect but also in all sheltered gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 200m but thawing. ICING: Thawing ice on rocks above 400m. COMMENT: Poor climbing conditions today with avalanches noted in the area. Some improvement is likely for Tuesday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/2/02 It has stayed cold with snowfall to valley level on strong SW winds. In sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects there has been build up of unstable accumulations. Moderately to weakly bonded layers are still to be found in extensive deeper accumulations that remain on NE to SE aspects above 800 metres. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/2/02 There will be an active period overnight with the freezing level settling around 1100 metres. Any new snow will generally be insignificant but moderately to weakly bonded areas will remain on N through to SE aspects above 800 metres. Avalanches are likely on steeper terrain. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).Cornices will be suspect. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good above 800 metres. ICING:Poor observation conditions today. COMMENT: Freezing level will be around 1100m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/2/02 The main weather conditions for the period have been heavy snow, strong South-Westerly winds and temperatures staying below freezing above 900 metres. The main feature of the recent storm snowpack is that for the fourth time this winter the snow has started on light winds and as the winds increased a more dense slab overlies the soft layer. This gives a very easy shear and stability is poor. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/2/02 Occasional snow will occur while the main storm cycle ends. Winds will continue from the South-West. The prevailing winds have contributed to a major shift in loading pattern, North and North-East slopes are most recently affected. Avalanches are likely on major terrain features of North-West through to East-North-East aspect above 850 metres. On minor terrain features local loading can be expected on any aspect. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow load is filling in the aspects. ICING: Limited observations today. COMMENT: In some areas there is only a few metres transition, both across and down slopes, from scoured to heavily loaded zone with new slab. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/2/02 Snow showers and a strong S/SE airflow overnight have produced fresh areas of unstable soft slab. Accumulations are present on sheltered NW through to NE to E aspects above 800m. During Monday thaw conditions with snow increasingly turning to rain, has further decreased snow stability in the above locations. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Cornices prone to collapse. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/2/02 As colder conditions return overnight and into Tuesday any wet snow instabilities will start to stabilise. Snow showers with strong SW winds will form fresh areas of unstable snow in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be on NW to N through to E aspects. Sheltered steep slopes and gullies will be particularly effected, with avalanches likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Fresh cornices will form. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best cover above 700m. ICING: Returning colder on Tuesday COMMENT: Strong winds continuing on Tuesday -------------------------------------------------------------------------------