NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 30/12/02
Minor accumulations of snow have formed new soft slab on 
Northerly aspects above about 1050 metres. This did not show 
any shear characteristics in field tests. The deeper snowpack 
remains stable, dominated by alternate layers of crust and melt 
freeze crystals. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 31/12/02
Dry and cool conditions will be the main feature of the forecast 
period. There will be some additional snow transport on North 
and West aspects above 1050 metres. Snowpack stability will 
remain good. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1)


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light dusting of new snow, still 
many bare icy areas.
ICING: Most of Hell's Lum climbing ice appears to be in small
pieces at base of the crag.
COMMENT: Easy routes in Northern Corries still thin but 
proving popular.

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 30/12/02
Cold temperatures are having little effect on the patchy snow 
cover. Light snow flurries during the day have not left any
deposits. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 31/12/02
Cold and dry conditions will continue overnight and during 
Tuesday. Little change is expected to the existing snowpack 
which will remain patchy and stable. The avalanche hazard will 
be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover above 1000m, mainly 
on N and E aspects.
ICING: Extensive riming above 1000m on all aspects.
COMMENT: Remaining cold.
 


GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 30/12/02
There is not enough new snow to represent any avalanche hazard.
The snow cover is very limited with some isolated deeper patches
above 940m. These exist mainly in sheltered areas on the highest
Northerly slopes and in deep gullies. Colder conditions have
started to firm up the surface of these snow patches producing
verglas on rocks and paths.  The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 31/12/02
Generally dry conditions will continue, with a fresh
South-Easterly wind and a frost above 300m. Snow patches will
remain firm and frozen. The greatest accumulations of snow will
be in sheltered locations on the higher Northerly slopes around
the summits and in gullies. The avalanche hazard will remain Low
(Category 1). Rocks and paths will be icy.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches of snow above 900 metres 
mainly in sheltered gullies with a Northerly aspect.

ICING: Freezing level 300m.

COMMENT: Winter climbing conditions frosty at best. 


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 30/12/02
There is a dusting of new snow down to around 650 metres. 
Localised areas of generally avoidable deeper fresh deposits can 
be found above 950 metres. New accumulations are moderately 
bonded where they form over firmer snow ice on mainly NW 
and N aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 
Exposed older snow is firm and well bonded.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 31/12/02
Overnight there will be further light snowfall on a SE wind. 
Where deposits accumulate over recent snow on a firmer base 
they will be moderately bonded. Areas most likely to be affected 
are steeper slopes on mainly NW and N aspects above 950 
metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Firm patchy cover above 1000 
metres. New deposits are highly localised.
ICING:Verglas from 950 metres today. Cold conditions should 
encourage further growth.
COMMENT: Verglas and new snow causing slippy conditions 
underfoot today.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 30/12/02
It has remained dry and cold with a strong Easterly wind. 
Overnight trace amounts of snow have left a dusting of snow on 
most aspects above 950 metres, but amounts remain 
insignificant and pose no hazard. Very isolated patches of old 
well-bonded snow can also be found in the most sheltered of 
hollows above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low 
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 31/12/02
It will remain cold and dry with a moderate South-East wind. A 
dusting of snow will remain on most aspects above 950 metres, 
but amounts will remain insignificant and pose no hazard. Also 
very isolated patches of old well-bonded snow will remain in 
the most sheltered of hollows above 900 metres. The avalanche 
hazard will be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Extremely poor with all main gully 
lines broken and rubble filled.
ICING: Not enough for climbing and still very poor. Hopefully 
will improve if cold temperatures persist.
COMMENT: At least it's dry and cold. Great day to be out on 
the tops!
 



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