NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/03
There has been rain over the summit with strong Westerly and 
North-West winds.  Following the onset of the warming cycle 
the snowpack stability is good above 1050 metres on all aspects.  
Cold layers, well bonded still exist in the deeper snowpack.  The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/03
Further rain will erode the snowpack rapidly below 1000 
metres.  Where snowpack depths are greater than 1 metre, the 
mid-pack temperatures will increase but stability will remain 
good.  The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Still reasonable cover on the 
plateau.  
ICING: Lots of water around that needs a freeze.
COMMENT:  Look forward to slight cooling in the longer 
range forecast. 
 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/03
Rain and mild conditions at all levels are rapidly thawing the 
existing snowpack. Wet snow instabilities are present on many 
sheltered aspects, notably steep N through E to SE aspects 
above 900m.The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 
3). Cornices prone to collapse.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/03
Thaw conditions will prevail for the forecast period. Wet snow 
instabilities will remain, mainly on steep N through E to SE 
aspects above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3). Cornices will remain prone to 
collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thawing quickly, best cover in high 
N and E facing corries.
ICING: Freezing levels above the summits.
COMMENT: Cornice collapse observed today (23/12/03). 
Aonach Mor.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/03
Heavy thaw conditions at all levels accompanied by strong W 
winds have saturated the snowpack. This has led to wet snow
instabilities on all steep slopes above 750m. The avalanche 
hazard is Considerable (Category 3). 


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/03
The mild weather will continue to affect the area. Rain and strong
Westerly winds will maintain thaw conditions at all levels. The
snowpack will consolidate after Tuesday thaw diminishing the
extent of the snowpack. Some wet snow instabilities may still
exist on steeper slopes around the tops of corrie headwalls. The
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).


 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 800m.
ICING: No ice. 
COMMENT: Mild wet and thawing conditions with the 
freezing level well above the summits. Gale force westerly
winds.


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/03
Thaw conditions have set in with superficial snow rapidly 
melting at lower altitudes. There has been a period of instability 
with at least three sets of cornice triggered debris noted on a SE 
aspect. Consolidation has taken place but moderately bonded 
layers remain in deeper deposits on steeper slopes on E through 
to SW aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/03
It will be mild and very windy throughout this next period. 
Snow will continue to thaw at all levels with moderately bonded 
snow remaining in deeper deposits on steeper slopes on E 
through to SW aspects above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard 
will be Moderate (Category 2). Remaining cornices will 
continue to be a hazard.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thawing rapidly at lower altitudes 
with some deeper drifts remaining.
ICING: Subject to thaw conditions.
COMMENT: Forecast winds are likely to make a difficult day 
on the mountain. 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/03
Thaw conditions have resulted in a wet but stable snowpack. 
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/03
It will continue mild with rain and wind over the forecast period.
This is not expected to bring any significant change to the curent 
snow conditions. The avalanche category will remain Low 
(Category 1).
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse scattered snow cover above 
850m.
ICING: Poor in thaw conditions (Any significant quantity yet to 
develop)
COMMENT: Wet and windy conditions with rain at all levels. 
Freezing levels rising 1500m to 2000m.
 



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