NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 11/3/02 Storm force winds limited access to the usual avalanche observation sites. However, where tested the South and South- West winds have deposited new slab and this shears easily on North and North-East aspects above 750 metres. Temperatures in the middle of the snowpack above 850 metres remain cold so older instabilities persist. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 12/3/02 Winds will ease and be from variable direction; firstly South- West then North-West, later from the North. Once again distribution of the instability will be quite variable but mainly on North to North-East and South to South-West aspects above 800 metres. While winds ease overnight the snowpack will have some opportunity to settle out but avalanches are likely on the mentioned aspect and elevation. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep foot penetration in lee terrain. ICING: Growth spurt on again; either buried, blasted or very steep. COMMENT: After the storm the first steps observed in the Corries usually take very conservative approach lines. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 11/3/02 Storm force SW winds with heavy snow have formed deep deposits of unstable windslab in many sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations are on sheltered slopes and gullies with NW through to N to SE aspects. Under test this slab fails easily with shears of up to 1m deep noted on the above aspects. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Large unstable cornices present above the mentioned aspects. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 12/3/02 The SW storm conditions will be replaced overnight with light N winds and isolated snow showers. Deep deposits of unstable windslab will be present many sheltered aspects. Greatest accumulations will be on sheltered slopes and gullies with NW through to N to SE aspects, where avalanches will occur. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Large unstable cornices will be present over the above aspects. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels on Monday. ICING: Ice forming on rocks and paths above 500m. COMMENT: Deep drifted snow making for challenging conditions. 122mph summit wind speed on Aonach Mor (11/3/02). GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 11/3/02 Storm force SW winds and snow showers have continued to affected the area. Accumulations of layered windslab are present in most sheltered locations. Above 800m deep unstable windslab was noted today. These unstable conditions exist in most gullies sheltered from the prevailing winds and on other sheltered slopes with a NW through to E aspect. Where these deep accumulations of windslab exist particularly on steep slopes above the 850m the Avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 12/3/02 The SW airflow will become Northerly during the early part of Tuesday. Some isolated snow showers can be expected with fresh N winds leading to small deposits of windslab on E through to SW aspects. These new accumulations are not expected to be significant but will require caution. The greatest avalanche hazard will still be in gullies and on steep slopes with a NW through to E aspect where previously formed windslab exists above 800m. Deep unstable windslab will be present in many locations and avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow above 350m. ICING: Above 550m but buried under the fresh snow. COMMENT: Caution is required on the approach to climbs. Ridges and buttresses are the safer option. Windslab accumulations will be very weakly bonded. Fresh cornices will be weak and prone to collapse. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 11/3/02 Severe winds and heavy snow showers have caused both deep drifts and extensive scouring. Weakly bonded windslab is to be found in very sheltered locations on N to E aspects. Stability is poor with weak layers failing under low additional loads. Steeper scarp slopes and gully exits are holding significant quantities of recent deposits. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 12/3/02 Isolated snow showers on decreasing winds will add little to the snow cover. Moderately to weakly bonded windslab will be found in very sheltered locations on N to E aspects. Recently formed cornices, steeper scarp slopes and gully exits are likely to present the greatest hazard. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Exposed areas have suffered extensive scouring. Deeper cover on N to E aspects. ICING: Shallow snow-ice well refrozen, sub-surface layers are still sugary. Remaining cold for the next period. COMMENT: Extremely careful route choice required. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 11/3/02 Heavy snowfall on a hurricane force West- North-West wind has caused deep and very unstable windslab accumulations to form on sheltered lee slopes of a North through East to South- East aspect above 600 metres. Field tests produced a shear of deep slab on a low angled (15 degrees) slope at 600 metres, which is unusually low. Fresh cornices have continued to build above the same aspects. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 12/3/02 Overnight, snow showers will continue on a strong South-West becoming North-West wind. Unstable windslab will continue to build on North through East to South aspects above 600 metres where avalanches will occur. As temperatures will remain low there will be little if any consolidation of these fresh deposits. During the day, light drifting on a moderate Northerly wind will start to affect South-West aspects also. The avalanche hazard will remain High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow at all levels. Waist deep drifts above 400 metres. Skis recommended for travel. ICING: Superb but unfortunately horribly buried and difficult to access. COMMENT: It feels like January with the most snow we've had this season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------