NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 24/12/02 A blustery day with heavy rain showers has further moistened and depleted the snowpack. On a North-West facing site at 1050 metres, tests gave a clean shear of the surface layer. However, this is only around 10cm deep and does not represent a serious hazard. Glide cracks are still present in some gully heads. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 25/12/02 Lighter winds with showery rain at first will give way to drier weather. Continuing thaw will affect the snowpack. Surface instabilities will remain, along with previously noted glide cracks in some gullies above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in recessed corrie backs and headwalls. ICING: Negligible. COMMENT: A slightly better day for Christmas. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 24/12/02 Thaw conditions during the forecast period have continued to reduce the snowpack at all levels. Older deposits of the October snowfall are the main remaining areas, and are generally restricted to high N and E facing gullies. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 25/12/02 A southerly airflow with light rain and the freezing level above the summits will continue to affect the forecast area for the next 24hrs. Remaining snow accumulations in high N and E facing gullies will continue to gradually thaw. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Limited, restricted to high N and E facing gullies. ICING: Thawing at all levels today (Tuesday). COMMENT: Remaining mild. Hazard of rock and ice fall in the thaw conditions. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 24/12/02 Mild and wet conditions have saturated and reduced the snowpack. Cover is now very thin on the highest slopes and non-existent on the lower slopes. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 25/12/02 Staying mild with fresh Southerly winds and rain at all levels overnight becoming showery through Wednesday. With freezing levels well above the tops any remaining snow patches which will mainly be found in the higher sheltered gullies will be soft and moist. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches of wet snow above 900 metres mainly in sheltered gullies with a Northerly aspect. ICING: Freezing level well above tops with rain at all levels. Very little ice left. COMMENT: Hazard of falling rocks and ice during thaw period. Have a safe and Merry Christmas everyone. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 24/12/02 There has been a significant reduction in snow distribution during the last 24-hour period. The mild and rainy weather has produced a wet but generally stable snowpack. Cover is minimal below 950 metres and patchy above this level. Deepest areas are to be found in sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects above 960 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 25/12/02 There will be little change to the current situation with the freezing level staying above the summits. The remaining snow will be wet but stable at all levels. Deepest areas will be found in sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects above 960 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Minimal distribution below 950 metres and patchy cover above this level. ICING: Subject to prolonged thaw conditions. COMMENT: Sorry no playing with your new ice tools or skis tomorrow! CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 24/12/02 The unseasonably mild conditions have continued, with rain showers on a fresh South-South-West wind. The snowpack has been devastated by the mild conditions, leaving even the bigger gullies like, Easy and Raeburn's incomplete with only isolated old snow patches. Any snow that can be found is generally above 900 metres and presents no hazard. Low (Category 1) avalanche hazard. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 25/12/02 With the freezing level remaining well above the summits and further rain showers, there will be little change to the current situation. Isolated old snow patches will persist in hollows above 900 metres and will remain well bonded. Although the avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1) there will still be a risk from collapsing ice and rockfall from steep cliffs. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Extremely poor. Only isolated snow patches survive above 900 metres. ICING: There's still some sorry looking remnants clinging on, but their collapsing, running with water and not suitable for climbing. COMMENT: Dear Santa. Can we have some snow for Xmas! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------