NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/03
Rain has soaked the isolated pockets of remaining seasonal 
snow.  The old snow-ice is stable and the bond to  the rain 
soaked newer snow is good. The avalanche hazard is Low 
(Category 1). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/03
Further rain over the top will reduce the snowpack cover.  There 
will be some potential for very small-scale loose snow sluffing 
due to rain.  The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 
1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A few narrow ribbons remain in the 
top 50 metres of some gullies, others are bare. 
ICING:  Mostly soggy turf and very meagre to nil ice supply.
COMMENT:   A few hopeful climbers about in the Northern 
Corries.

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/03
Early snow has gradually been replaced by rain at all levels 
during the afternoon. The snowpack is gradually thawing, 
producing localised surface instabilities, although these are 
generally restricted to steep N and E aspects above 1100m. The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/03
Summit temperatures of plus 3øc are expected with rain overnight
and during Wednesday. The snowpack will slowly consolidate and
continue to thaw gradually at all levels. The avalanche hazard
will be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some patches of old snow left, 
mainly in gully lines. Some fresh wet snow is still present above 
1000m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining above the summits.
COMMENT: 



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/03

Rain at all levels is now affecting the area. The snowpack is 
becoming wet and is reducing fast. Isolated areas of potentially 
unstable wet snow exist in 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 WED 17/12/03

Mild conditions with light rain will continue to affect the area 
overnight and during Wednesday. The snowpack will be soft 
and moist at all levels with stability on most slopes  remaining 
generally good. Greatest accumulations of snow will remain in 
the highest sheltered corries and gullies. The avalanche hazard 
will be Low (Category 1). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remaining snow mainly in higher 
sheltered corries and gullies.
ICING: Remaining thin ice thawing.
COMMENT: Mild damp outlook.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/03
Light rain and slowly rising temperatures have dampened the 
patchy recent snow that is to be found on SE to SW aspects 
above 800 metres. Isolated areas of old snow-ice remain at the
top of high NE corries. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 
1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/03
There will be little change to the current situation with the 
freezing level remaining above the summits. The patchy snow 
will continue slowly to thaw. Isolated areas will exist in
sheltered locations on SE to SW aspects above 800 metres and 
in higher NE corries. The avalanche hazard will be Low 
(Category 1). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Insignificant patchy snow.
ICING: Very limited and subject to thaw conditions.
COMMENT: Higher footpaths remain icy underfoot in places.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/03
Isolated patches of recently drifted snow remain, predominantly
on North to Easterly aspects. The return of milder conditions has
resulted in the consolidation of these accumulations. The
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/03
It will continue mild with freezing level at 1800 metres and
light rain at all levels. This is not expected to bring much
change to current conditions. The avalanche hazard will remain
Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin patches of wet snow down to 
800m
ICING: Yet to develop
COMMENT: Contuing mider throughout forecast period. 



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