NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 16/12/02
Trace amounts of snow, light Easterly winds and cool 
temperature have not appreciably changed snow stability.  There 
is soft slab that shears easily on some West and North aspects 
particularly at the base of higher cliffs.  The avalanche hazard is 
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 17/12/02
Temperatures will remain cool with isolated snow showers and 
light winds from the North-West.  The soft slab instability will 
persist and be a concern on steep unsupported convex slopes.  
These slabs will be on North and East aspects above about 
1000m. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).   


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Skiable areas on the plateau
ICING:  Buttresses appear in good winter condition.
COMMENT:  Large glide cracks above the Vent will be a 
concern if there is rapid warming.

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 16/12/02
A light dusting of snow exists above 1000m. Some old hard 
snow is also present in high gully lines on N and E aspects. The 
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 17/12/02
Cold dry conditions are expected to continue for the next 24 
hours. Little change is expected to the existing stable 
snowpack. Old snow deposits will remain in some high N and E 
facing gullies. A light dusting of fresh snow will remain above 
1000m.  The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light dusting of fresh snow above 
1000m.
ICING: Freezing at all levels with areas of water ice forming 
on many paths and open slopes.
COMMENT: Continuing cold and dry.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 16/12/02
A light cover of snow is lying above 850 metres. Isolated 
pockets of shallow soft slab exist in sheltered locations mainly 
with a South-West to North-West aspect at the highest levels. 
These deposits are not significant and are generally avoidable. 
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 17/12/02
It will remain cold and dry with fresh Westerly winds overnight
and through Tuesday. Little change is expected to occur to the 
condition of the snow. Pockets of shallow soft slab will remain  
at the highest levels in areas  sheltered from the prevailing wind. 
These deposits will not be significant and will generally be 
avoidable. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1)

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light cover above 850 metres
ICING: Ice forming in watercourses above 700 metres.  
COMMENT: Cold dry outlook should give favourable 
conditions for the higher ridges which have a light cover of 
snow and rime, but we do need more snow.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 16/12/02
There is very little new snow with only minor alterations to 
existing snow caused by a slight change in temperature. There is 
snow on most aspects but it is generally thin. Dee.......erately 
bonded snow is to be found in sheltered locations on NW 
through to NE aspects above 960 metres. Some older cornices 
exist here. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 17/12/02
Conditions will not change significantly. It will remain cold 
with a trace of new snow. Moderately bonded snow will be 
found in sheltered locations on NW through to NE aspects 
above 960 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate 
(Category 2). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A covering on most aspects, deeper 
in sheltered locations.
ICING: Variable quality from 900 metres. 
COMMENT: Conditions remain generally lean.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 16/12/02
Trace amounts of snow have fallen on a light Easterly wind 
above 900 metres. Early season accumulations of snow remain 
insignificant with Westerly aspects holding a thin snow cover 
above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 17/12/02
It will remain cold with no further precipitation. Light snow 
cover will remain on all aspects above 900 metres, particularly 
West facing slopes. Accumulations of snow will remain 
insignificant. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 
1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: No snow base yet! Light dusting 
above 900 metres.

ICING: There's some good ice forming on the cliffs of Coire 
Choille-rais. Coire Ardair still poor.

COMMENT: Looks like the good weathers staying, but a good 
dump is needed (snow that is!).




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