LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 13/2/03 The continuing cold and dry conditions are having little effect on the existing snowpack. Above 1100m, shallow deposits of unconsolidated soft snow are present, mainly on steep N and E aspects. Localised surface instabilities exist in these locations. Snowpack stability is generally good. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 14/2/03 Cold and dry conditions will prevail for the next 24 hours. Snowpack stability will remain generally good. Localised surface instabilities will continue to exist on steep N and E aspects above 1100m. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations in N and E facing corries above 900m. ICING: All old snow is hard frozen. COMMENT: Many easier snow/ice routes receiving ascents. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 13/2/03 It has remained cold and calm and although a little cloudier there has been no further snowfall. The snowpack has remained well bonded and stable on all aspects and with less sun around, even Southerly slopes have remained firmer for longer into the afternoon. There are still large cornices above many steep slopes in the region, and in particular above the Inner Coire of Coire Ardair. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 14/2/03 There will be little change to the current stable snow conditions, as it will remain dry with the freezing level below the snowline. As the snowpack is so well frozen at the surface there is little loose snow to blow around, so at the most, increasing Southerly winds may scour some granular snow and deposit it in isolated but insignificant patches on Northerly aspects. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy down to 500 metres. Good cover in the coires. ICING: Much improved but with the amount of visitors today (13.2.03) probably all chopped up! COMMENT: Superfast bum sliding conditions! Ice axe and crampons are essential! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 13/2/03 It was a cool day with moderate Southerly winds and some very light snow showers over the plateau. Surface hoar growth was noted particularly on North aspects above 900 metres where it has nearly doubled in size from 24 hours ago to 2 millimetre grains. Above the old crust there is still the thin soft layer with a stiff slab above. This gives a hard clean shear. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 14/2/03 There will be continuing cold temperatures and no measurable precipitation. There will be little change in snowpack stability which will remain good with the present natural load. The isolated areas, mainly on North aspect from 900-1100 metres, with the shear identified will persist. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Little change, some skiable runs on plateau. ICING: Continued growth filling in some pick holes. COMMENT: Watch for high additional loading with larger groups on some slopes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 13/2/03 There has been a trace of fresh snow today but it was insignificant in terms of the avalanche hazard. The patchy snowpack is generally well bonded on all aspects. The cover is mainly firm but with some crusty areas. More extensive patches remain on E to S aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 14/2/03 There will be little change to the current situation. The patchy snowpack will remain generally well bonded on all aspects. Cover will remain mainly firm with some crusty areas. The more extensive patches will be found on higher E and S aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy firm cover. More extensive areas on E to S aspects. ICING: Quality variable. COMMENT: Remaining cold throughout the next period. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 13/2/03 The snowpack has a thin melt freeze crust and is generally stable. Areas of shallow soft slab exist above 900m with the greatest accumulations being in sheltered gullies and slopes with a North through to East aspect. These areas are generally well bonded however deeper areas may need some caution. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 14/2/03 Cold and dry conditions are expected to continue for the period with fresh Southerly winds. The snowpack will re-freeze during Thursday night giving stable conditions in most locations. During the course of Friday temperatures are expected to lower slightly maintaining the general snowpack in a firm and stable condition. Pockets of windslab may remain in sheltered gullies and on slopes with a North to Easterly aspect, these deposits will generally be shallow and localised mainly to the tops of gullies and sheltered scarp slopes. Avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700 metres. ICING: Above 800m. COMMENT: Conditions improving with continuing low temperatures, Snow cover remains fairly thin and is mainly in high corries and gullies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------