NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 15/12/03 There are isolated pockets of new soft slab up to 40 centimetres thick that shear quite easily on equally isolated pockets of hard snow. The slab has formed on Easterly aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 16/12/03 Light snow will be followed by light rain. This will create a slightly thicker and more dense slab but the avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The older snow-ice patches are above 1000 metres and form ribbons up to 50 metres long in the top of some gullies. ICING: Very little ice for climbing; mostly bare rock with a dusting of the recent snow. COMMENT: Full winter equipment required for travel on steep ground. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 15/12/03 A light dusting of snow exists above 700m. At the tops of the main N and E facing gullies some more significant accumulations exist but accumulations are generally localised. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Recent avalanche debris in Easy Gully, Aonach Mor. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 16/12/03 Heavy snow overnight will form localised accumulations of fresh windslab, mainly at the tops of N and E facing gullies. Warmer temperatures during Tuesday, with rain at all levels, will bring a brief period of instability. Localised instabilities will be present, mainly on steep N and E facing gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Later on Tuesday the snowpack will stabilise and continue to thaw. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh dusting above 700m. Some old snow remaining in high gullies. ICING: Freezing level expected to rise above the summits during Tuesday afternoon. COMMENT: GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 15/12/03 A light cover of recent snow exists above 850 metres. In most areas this cover is lying on top of vegetation and rocks and presents no stability problems. Isolated areas of deeper snow and hail have formed in the highest sheltered gullies and hollows mainly with a North to Easterly aspect. Where these accumulations lie on steeper slopes stability is moderate but these areas are generally avoidable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 16/12/03 Light snow overnight and strengthening Southwesterly winds will initially form windslab on slopes with a North to East aspect and sheltered summit gullies mainly above 800 metres. These accumulations are not expected to be deep or extensive but stability will be suspect in areas where old firm snow underlies. As the day progresses milder conditions with rain at all levels will saturate and reduce the snowpack. Wet snow instabilities will exist on steeper slopes and gullies where any deeper accumulations of snow are present. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light cover above 850 metres ICING: Highest slopes only but generally fairly thin. COMMENT: Higher ridges and buttresses will give some snowed up rock climbing but outlook poor later in day. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 15/12/03 The strong overnight winds have eased to give a cool pleasant day on the hills. Patches of old hard snow-ice are to be found at the tops of NE corries with new isolated patches of windslab on SE to SW aspects above 800 metres. These are localised and easily avoided. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 16/12/03 Very light snow fall is expected overnight before the freezing level rises to above the summits during the day. The patchy snow will be subject to thaw conditions with only older snow- ice expected to remain in higher NE corries. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light dusting above 700 metres with isolated patches of wind blown snow. ICING: Watercourses are freezing but nothing useful was observed. COMMENT: The general wintry appearance will not survive tomorrow`s warmer temperatures. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 15/12/03 Winds through the day have been light and from the North- West. A light covering of snow exists above 800 metres. This is deepest in sheltered gullies and hollows of an East to South aspect above 900 metres. Accumulations are shallow and isolated and pose no significant hazard. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 16/12/03 Occasional or very light snow showers on a strong South-West wind will turn to rain as the freezing level rises to above the summits during the day. Recent fresh deposits will dissipate and leave remaining deposits isolated, soft and wet. Snow quantities will remain shallow and pose no significant hazard. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: ICING: COMMENT: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------