NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 14/3/02 Strong South-Easterly winds caused significant snow transport on to Northerly aspects overnight and during the morning. However, local corrie winds have also caused cross-loading on slopes of other aspects above 900 metres. Crag aprons have up to half a metre of new slab and main gullies have unconsolidated deep snow. Cornices are re-forming above Northerly aspects. Despite this, temperatures around zero below plateau level have permitted some stabilisation. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 15/3/02 A period of snow forecasted for the morning, along with strong South-Easterly winds, will bring further loading to all Northerly aspects. Avalanches will occur above 950 metres, particularly on gully heads, scarp slopes and crag aprons of these aspects. Easterly aspects above 1050 metres will also be affected due to cross-loading at plateau level. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Cover now looks respectable above 800m. ICING: A definite comeback; many pitches complete. COMMENT: Stronger winds forecast for Friday. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 14/3/02 Strong SE winds have started to redistribute the existing snow onto sheltered locations. This wind deposited snow is forming as fresh windslab, accumulations being greatest on sheltered W, NW and N aspects above 1000m. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Many E facing slopes have become wind-scoured. Several sizeable spindrift avalanches observed on the steeper gullies on Ben Nevis. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 15/3/02 The strong SE winds are expected to continue, with a band of snow affecting the area early on Friday. Fresh areas of unstable snow will continue to form, greatest accumulations being on W, NW, N and some sheltered NE aspects above 1000m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 500m. ICING: Remaining cold. COMMENT: Many ice routes on the Ben receiving ascents today. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 14/3/02 The lower temperatures and light SE winds have lightly scoured the snowpack at most levels. These conditions have consolidated most of the unstable deposits of layered windslab. Some isolated accumulations of windslab are still present on SW through to NW aspects and in most sheltered gullies above 850m. Where these moderate to weakly bonded accumulations of windslab exist particularly on steep slopes above 850m the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack is generally well bonded and icy in places. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 15/3/02 Snow showers during Thursday night will become heavier on Friday morning with strong SE winds. Unstable accumulations of soft windslab will develop in all sheltered areas. The greatest deposits will form on northwesterly aspects above 800m but will mainly be in gullies and on steep slopes and around the top of gullies with a NW aspect. Other sheltered aspects will also require some caution. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 350m. ICING: Above 550m. COMMENT: New snow forecast above 700m. Caution is required on steep slopes on the approach to climbs. Ridges and buttresses are the safer option. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 14/3/02 Deep moderately to weakly bonded snow is to be found in sheltered locations on steeper N to E aspects above 900 metres. Elsewhere there is a strong crust with moderate bonding within the snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 15/3/02 Snow falling on gale force SE winds will lead to new accumulations forming on W to N aspects. Sheltered locations such as scarp slopes and gully exits on N aspects are likely to be significantly affected. Where new deposits form over older snow-ice stability will be poor. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4) and avalanches will occur. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Quality snow in many locations for ski touring. ICING: Good ice present but some clearing still required. COMMENT: An unpleasant day in prospect for Friday. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 14/3/02 A strong South-East wind is causing drifting on to lee slopes of a West to North aspect above 800 metres. Fortunately the snowpack is sealed in most places with a melt-freeze crust so drifting has been light. However, shallow windslab deposits have formed on scarp slopes beneath cornices and in the most sheltered of hollows. These areas are isolated and easily avoidable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 15/3/02 Existing snow will continue to drift overnight before moderate snowfalls on a gale force South-East wind rapidly build deep deposits of unstable windslab. Avalanches are likely on sheltered lee slopes of a West through North to North-East aspect above 800 metres. This fresh windslab will form on top of an icy melt-freeze crust, with little bonding to the underlying snow and providing a good sliding surface for avalanches. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 500 metres. Good ski touring after a short walk. ICING: Very good although the Post Face is well banked out. COMMENT: Back to blizzards again tomorrow (15.3.02) At least my suntan will have time to cool off! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------