NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 17/12/03 The few remaining snow patches extend across the top of some high ground ridges above 1050 metres and down a few gullies for up to 50 metres. This snow is stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 18/12/03 There will be rain across the tops with further eroding of the snowpack that will remain stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A few patches of white shrinking due to wind, warm and wet. ICING: Tiny patches of grey moist ice. COMMENT: Lots of opportunity for transceiver practice. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 17/12/03 Light rain and mild conditions have left the existing snowpack moist at all levels. Any accumulations are restricted to above 900m and are generally confined to deep gully lines and hollows. Snow cover is thin and patchy. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 18/12/03 Mild conditions overnight and during Thursday will see the current snowpack continue to thaw at all levels. Snow cover will remain thin and patchy and restricted to above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin cover above 900m only ICING: Freezing levels will remain above the summits for the forecast period. COMMENT: GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 17/12/03 Mild and wet conditions are affecting the area. Snow cover is patchy and is mainly restricted to sheltered areas in the higher corries and gullies. The remaining snow is soft, wet and is generally stable. Avalanche hazard Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 18/12/03 A moist and mild South-Westerly airflow will continue to affect the area overnight and on Thursday. With freezing levels at around 1800 metres the snowpack will be soft and moist. Stability will remain good. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover in higher corries and gullies. ICING: No significant ice. COMMENT: Mild conditions forecast and drizzle turning to moderate rain later on Thursday. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 17/12/03 The remaining snow patches have been significantly reduced during the past 24 hour period. The majority of hills now have no snow with only the higher mountains retaining patches of old snow-ice. These are mainly to be found at the top of high NE corries. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 18/12/03 There will be little change to the current situation with the freezing level staying above the summits. The remaining snow will continue to slowly thaw with larger patches being found in higher NE corries. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Insignificant patchy snow. ICING: None observed and the ground has become soft. COMMENT: Please note that the Bob Scott Bothy near Derry Lodge is now unusable due to fire damage . CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 17/12/03 A few isolated patches of rapidly depleting snow remain in some sheltered locations above 850m. All remaining snow is now wet but stable in the present thaw conditions. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 18/12/03 Thaw conditions and light rain is expected at all levels over the forecast period. Remaining snow patches will thaw steadily and remain stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse; just a few patches remain. ICING: Free water noted on some buttresses and gully lines devoid of snow. COMMENT: Continuing mild. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------