LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 12/3/02 The recent storm cycle has left fresh deposits of moderately well bonded hard slab on many aspects. Main accumulations are on N through E to SE facing slopes and gullies. Some localised instabilities are also present on these aspects, mainly on steeper terrain above 1000m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 13/3/02 Cold and generally dry conditions are expected overnight and during Wednesday. The existing snowpack will gradually stabilise and consolidate. Large areas of moderately bonded hard windslab will remain, main accumulations being on N through E to SE aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow level around 400m. ICING: Remaining cold through-out the period. COMMENT: Another good day in prospect for Wednesday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 12/3/02 Strong winds accompanied with lower temperatures have scoured the snowpack at most levels. These conditions have consolidated many of the unstable deposits of layered windslab. Some isolated accumulations of windslab are still present on SW through to NW aspects and in sheltered gullies above 850m. Where these weakly bonded accumulations of windslab exist particularly on steep slopes above the 850m the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack is generally well bonded and icy in places. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 13/3/02 A mainly dry cold period with NW winds becoming W. The snowpack will consolidate further during Wednesday and on most slopes the snowpack will be generally well bonded. On various slope aspects above 850m isolated locations such as gullies, steep slopes and around the top of gullies may contain areas of moderately bonded windslab. Sheltered aspects will also require caution. Where these conditions exist the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snows above 350m. ICING: Above 550m. COMMENT: Climbing conditions improving. Caution is required on steep slopes on the approach to climbs. Ridges and buttresses are the safer option. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 12/3/02 Moderately to weakly bonded windslab is to be found on N to E aspects above 800 metres. Sheltered locations in particular are holding substantial accumulations. Stability is poor with failure occurring under test conditions at a graupel layer buried deep within the snowpack. Wind transport of light deposits is starting to build windslab on SE and S aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 13/3/02 Moderately to weakly bonded windslab will be found on N to E aspects above 800 metres and to a lesser extent on SE and S aspects. Sheltered locations will continue to hold deep unstable deposits. Steeper scarp slopes, gullies and recently formed cornices are likely to present the greatest hazard. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best above 800 metres. ICING: Ice present but extensive clearing required. COMMENT: One intrepid party on Eagle Ridge today. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 12/3/02 A fresh North-West wind is gradually redistributing windslab onto North- East through South-East to South aspects above 800 metres. On slopes affected by the strong sunshine deposits are settling down quickly. However on more shadowy North-East and East aspects the snowpack remains cold and shears easily in field tests. Fresh avalanche debris was noted in more than one Coire, predominantly on Easterly aspects. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 13/3/02 A fresh Northerly wind will continue to drive snow on to South- East to South-West aspects above 800 metres. Other aspects will begin to consolidate due to wind scour, sunshine and cold overnight temperatures. Fortunately the aspects affected by windslab will be exposed to the sun and will settle quickly. However in the deeper deposits in sheltered shadowy areas, care will need to be taken as these deposits will remain cold and will shear. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 400 metres. Excellent ski touring conditions and difficult to travel without skis if off the beaten track. ICING: Very good and some of the excess snow is disappearing. COMMENT: There are large cornices above many North to South-East aspects. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 12/3/02 The storm passed and during the night the snowpack had a period of stabilization. A slab avalanche was noted on a North aspect at 950 metres. Stability has improved with the settlement. There are pockets where the firm slab shears easily on a cold soft layer below. These are mainly on North and East aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 13/3/02 A few snow showers with light winds from the North and West are forecast. Temperatures will remain cool. The snowpack will have a further period of settlement and stabilization following the storm. There are isolated pockets on North and East aspect above 1000 metres where the firm slab is lying on soft cold layer below. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: There are areas with twenty to forty centimetres of foot penetration for trail breaking. ICING: Some replacement growth noted. COMMENT: Overall a return to more wintry conditions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------