NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 9/3/03 Since the freezing level went above the summit level last night there has been a general stabilization of the snowpack above 850 metres. Strong Westerly winds have further eroded the snowpack particularly where there was thin cover. A snow profile, 160 centimetres deep, showed a strong, isothermal snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 10/3/03 Snow and a return to cooler temperatures will see new slab build due to South-West winds on mainly North and East aspects. Avalanches are likely on these aspects above 900 metres. The localised new slab will recognizable and, due to limited extent, avoidable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Taking a beating again. ICING: Some climbing in the Northern Corries still being done. COMMENT: Although snow accumulations have been low this winter the record of incidents involving people shows that avalanche threshold have been reached frequently and quickly. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 9/3/03 Heavy rain at all levels has produced a moist snowpack. After an initial period of instability, the snowpack has been gradually stabilising during the day. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 10/3/03 Slightly cooler conditions with snow showers above 900m are expected overnight and during Monday. The existing snowpack will re-freeze and become stable. Fresh areas of unstable windslab will form in areas sheltered from the strong SW airflow. Localised areas of hazard will form mainly on N, NE and E facing scarp slopes and gully tops. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain above 1000m. ICING: Wet snow at all levels today (Sunday). COMMENT: Winds remaining strong. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 9/3/03 Mild conditions at all levels and heavy rain accompanied by gale force SW winds have affected the area. The snowpack has become saturated with rain leading to wet snow instabilities on slopes of all aspects. Above 800m the steep NW through to NE facing slopes present the greatest hazard and any remaining cornices are liable to collapse. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 10/3/03 Gale force SW winds with snow showers above 850m will affect the area. The snowpack will consolidate slightly above 950m as the freezing level lowers but generally it will remain wet and moderately bonded on steep slopes for the period of this report. New snow is expected to arrive above 850m on strong SW winds during Monday afternoon. The greatest accumulations will be on NE facing slopes and in sheltered gullies. Deposits of new snow are not expected to be extensive: the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION:Snow above 800m. ICING: Freezing level between 1100 and 1000m. COMMENT: Waterproof testing stuff. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 9/3/03 It has been a wet and windy day with the freezing level rising to well above the summits. A significant thaw is taking place resulting in a considerable reduction in the snow cover. Localised areas of moderately to weakly bonded soft wet snow exist in steeper sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects above 950 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Generally the patchy snow cover is soft and wet but well bonded. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 10/3/03 The freezing level will lower to 1000 metres by Monday moderately bonding the soft wet deposits that exist in steeper sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects above 950 metres. Isolated rain, sleet and snow showers will fall on severe gale force SW winds. Depending on the severity of the showers fresh deposits will accumulate in very sheltered locations on N to E aspects. New deposits will demonstrate poor stability especially above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Large amounts of water running off the hills today. Remaining snow very wet. ICING: Running water and poor observation conditions. COMMENT: Hazard dependent on severity of showers. Evening forecasts provide most up to date information. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 9/3/03 It has remained very mild with gale force South-West winds and heavy rain throughout the period. The snowpack is in rapid retreat with wet snow instabilities developing at varying depths. North through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres are most affected with debris from wet snow avalanches and cornice collapse observed from steep North and East aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Rock and ice fall are also a hazard from steep ground in wet, mild conditions. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 10/3/03 Slightly colder conditions will begin to consolidate existing wet snow deposits. However, snow showers are forecast throughout the period on storm force South-West winds. Sheltered hollows, the tops of gullies and lee slopes below cornices of a North to East aspect above 850 metres will be particularly affected as fresh windslab begins to build. Unstable cornice fringes will again also build on the above mentioned aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover above 750 metres. Some gullies now broken. ICING: Either in the loch, running with water or rotten; take your pick! COMMENT:If puddles in your pants and clinging to the hill by your finger tips is your thing, then today was the day to be on the tops. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------