NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 More rain has contributed to a nearly completely rain soaked snowpack with well established drainage channels. Just below a slush layer in crust there is an easy shear about 40cm below surface in an area with a 2 metre snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 The freezing level will drop to about 750m. This will tighten up the existing snowpack. Some new slab may form on North and West aspects above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Depleting today, increasing tomorrow. ICING: The 'now-cast' is not encouraging, the forecast is. COMMENT: The full dozen reindeer sighted near the snow elevation after a good nights work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 The mild conditions have continued, reducing the snow to a patchy cover. Largest areas of snow are mainly to be found above 980 metres on NW to NE aspects. The snow is wet but generally well bonded. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 There will be a return to wintry conditions with the freezing level falling and new snowfall. On NW through to NE aspects in sheltered locations above 960 metres new accumulations will form over refrozen snow. In these localised areas bonding between new and old snow will be poor. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Minimal distribution below 950 metres and patchy cover above this level. ICING: Couldn't find any to report on! COMMENT: A return to winter, but it will take a while to fill in the missing snow cover. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 Mild dry conditions have seen little change in the existing snow cover. Distribution is thin and patchy and generally restricted to high N and E facing gullies. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 Cooler conditions with light snow showers will move into the forecast area over the next 24hrs. Fresh snow accumulations are not expected to be significant. Any deposits will be shallow and generally restricted to N and W aspects above 800m and will have little effect on the stability of the existing snowpack. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin and patchy. Best in high N and E facing gullies ICING: Freezing level back below the summits overnight. COMMENT: A return to cooler conditions, but it will take a lot more to improve the current situation. Happy Xmas. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 Mild and wet conditions recently have reduced the snowpack leaving only a few patches of thin older snow on the highest Northerly slopes and gullies. Slightly cooler drier conditions today have started to firm up the surface of these snow patches. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 Strong South-Easterly winds and light snow showers will affect the area during Friday. The quantity of new snow forecast will not significantly alter the overall condition of the snowpack. Pockets of shallow windslab will form in sheltered locations mainly around the tops of gullies where old snow deposits remain. Accumulations are not expected to be extensive or deep and will in general be avoidable The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches of snow above 900 metres mainly in sheltered gullies with a Northerly aspect. ICING: Freezing level well above tops. Very little ice left COMMENT: Slightly cooler with light snow above 750 metres. Hopefully this will bring a more seasonal feel to the area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 Although a little colder today, the freezing level has stayed above the summits with no further snowfall. Only isolated patches of well-bonded old snow survive in hollows above 900 metres, with even the bigger gullies like Easy and Raeburn's incomplete. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 Occasional light snow showers, driven on a fresh South-East wind will enhance the wintry appearance of the hills with a thin fresh cover appearing above 800 metres. Deposits will particularly effect West to North facing slopes. These new deposits will begin the process of building a base for the snowpack but will in no way be deep enough to cause a hazard. Old snow patches will remain stable. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Isolated patches only above 900 metres. ICING: There's some sorry looking bits hanging on. Unfortunately not enough for climbing. COMMENT: Merry Xmas to all our readers. At least it's getting colder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 25/12/02 Mild and wet conditions recently have reduced the snowpack leaving only a few patches of thin older snow on the highest Northerly slopes and gullies. Slightly cooler drier conditions today have started to firm up the surface of these snow patches. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 26/12/02 Strong South-Easterly winds and light snow showers will affect the area during Thursday. The quantity of new snow forecast will not significantly alter the overall condition of the snowpack. Pockets of shallow windslab will form in sheltered locations mainly around the tops of gullies where old snow deposits remain. Accumulations are not expected to be extensive or deep and will in general be avoidable The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches of snow above 900 metres mainly in sheltered gullies with a Northerly aspect. ICING: Freezing level well above tops. Very little ice left COMMENT: Slightly cooler with light snow above 750 metres. Hopefully this will bring a more seasonal feel to the area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------