NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/12/02 There has been rain with trace amounts of snow at summit level. Strong Southerly winds have contributed to additional depletion of snowpack on the plateau. Above 1100 metres the snow surface has partially refrozen. The snow pack is generally stable and the avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/12/02 Mild temperatures and moderate rain are forecast. Although the main gullies are still complete with snow, up to 2 metres deep near the tops, the plateau is mostly bare. There will be little change in snowpack stability, which will remain good. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy on the plateau. ICING: Very sparse. COMMENT: Like a wet summer day, but with less daylight. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/12/02 The continuing mild 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 FRI 27/12/02 Light rain at all levels is expected over the next 24 hours. The existing patches of old snow will continue to gradually thaw. 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 remaining above the summits. COMMENT: GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/12/02 With only a trace of new snow at the higher levels general cover of snow remains very thin and patchy and is mainly to be found in sheltered areas on the highest Northerly slopes and gullies. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/12/02 Strong Easterly winds and rain at all levels will affect the area overnight and during Friday. Remaining snow patches will be soft and moist. Greatest accumulations of remaining snow will be found in sheltered locations on the higher Northerly slopes and gullies. 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 above tops. Very little ice left COMMENT: Falling rocks and ice will remain a hazard during mild spell. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/12/02 No new snow was encountered during the observation period although it began to sleet at 1050 metres by the end of the morning. With the freezing level around 1200 metres the remaining patchy snow cover is less wet than yesterday and a little firmer. Largest areas of snow are mainly to be found in sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/12/02 Milder conditions and moderate rainfall will continue to thaw the remaining patchy snow cover at all levels. Largest areas of snow will be found on NW to NE aspects above 1000 metres. The snow will be soft but generally stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Minimal distribution below 1000 metres and patchy cover above this level. ICING: None observed. COMMENT: A return to thaw conditions. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/12/02 Last night the temperature dipped enough for a short-lived freeze before a return to milder conditions. There has been no further snowfall even on the highest tops, so the only snow that survives is in isolated well-bonded patches in hollows above 900 metres. Even the bigger gullies such as Easy and Raeburn's are incomplete. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/12/02 With the freezing level remaining above the summits and no further snowfall the sparse conditions will continue. Isolated well-bonded patches of old snow will persist in hollows above 900 metres. Although the avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1), there will be a risk of falling ice and rocks from any steep cliffs. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Isolated patches of old only above 900 metres. Easy gullies are incomplete. ICING: There's still some remnants hanging on but forget any climbing. COMMENT: Hill conditions will continue to be unfavourable so you may as well get on with enjoying the festive season! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------