NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 20/12/03
On North-West aspects there are average accumulations of
new snow around 20 centimetres.  Where this sits on the old 
snow-ice surface it shears easily.  In the new snow there is a
very soft layer under a firmer slab layer.  The very limited
distribution of this instability does not constitute an avalanche 
hazard.  The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 21/12/03
The forecast snow showers, followed by a temperature rise, will
contribute to an rapid increase in avalanche hazard.  The
North-Easterly winds will distribute the deeper accumulations on
to South-West to North-West aspects. The avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Low density snow falling today 
above 650 metres.
ICING: Forming slowly but buried under new snow. 
COMMENT: 
 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 20/12/03
Fresh snow during Saturday has produced localised 
accumulations of soft snow, mainly on sheltered SW, W and 
NW aspects above 1000m. The avalanche hazard is Moderate 
(Category 2).  Avalanche accident No. 2 Gully, Ben Nevis.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 21/12/03
Strong NE winds and light snow showers are expected overnight 
and on Sunday. The existing fresh snow will re-distribute on to
sheltered locations, main accumulations being at the tops of S, 
SW and W aspects above 1000m. The avalanche hazard will be 
Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow above 200m.
ICING: Freezing level around 300m.
COMMENT: Strong NE winds expected. Remaining cold.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 20/12/03
Snow showers above 250m and fresh Easterly winds have
affected the area. The greatest accumulations of fresh snow are 
in sheltered locations above 700m with deepest deposits in 
gullies and sheltered corrie headwalls. On steep slopes above 
700m on SW to NW aspects some shallow windslab is
present. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 21/12/03
Snow showers will continue through Saturday slowly decreasing on
Sunday accompanied by very strong NE winds. These strong winds
will continue to affect the snowpack, re-distributing snow into
sheltered areas and forming windslab. The greatest accumulations
of unstable snow will be above 700m on SW to NW aspects and also
in all sheltered locations such as gullies and sheltered corrie
headwalls. The avalanche hazard will increase to Considerable
(Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 250m.
ICING: No significant ice but will start to re-form on rocks and 
paths above 300 metres.
COMMENT: Another wintry day is forecast which will bring 
snow to most levels: it could be very windy on the tops!



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 20/12/03
With a return to wintry conditions a thin covering of snow exists 
from valley level with sheltered features holding deeper drifts. 
Strengthening winds from the E are re-distributing snow into
sheltered locations on mainly W aspects. Where deeper new 
accumulations exist on steeper slopes they are moderately 
bonded The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 
Cornices are starting to form.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 21/12/03
There will be little new snowfall during Sunday but strong 
winds will continue to build deposits in very sheltered locations 
on SE through to W aspects. Cover will be generally thin but 
where deposits achieve depth on steeper ground they will 
continue to be moderately bonded. The avalanche hazard will be 
Moderate (Category 2). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A general light covering with deeper 
drifts on W aspects.
ICING: Nothing useful observed.
COMMENT: An extremely windy day expected on Sunday. 



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 20/12/03
Moderate snow showers on strengthening winds have deposited 
accumulations of marginally stable snow at the top of steep 
South-West to North-West aspects above 850m. Stability is good in
all other locations. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).)  There is a covering of fresh snow down to 200m.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 21/12/03
Further snow showers on very strong North-East to North winds
will load additional windslab on to steep South to West aspects
above 850m. Little improvement is expected in snow stability in
these areas: the avalanche hazard will remain Considerable
(Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: At last a covering of fresh snow at 
all levels!
ICING: Generally very poor but some small  improvement likely
with the (short-lived) onset of colder conditions.
COMMENT: Full-on Scottish winter mountain weather for a 
day or so.
 



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