NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/04
There is a widespread surface rain crust and generally strong 
deeper snowpack contributing to an overall  condition of good 
stability.  There are a few small cornices on North aspect.  The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).      

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/04
Snow is forecast with a high freezing level resulting in rain 
below 1100 metres.  There will be some small pockets of slab 
building on East and South-East aspects above 1100 metres.
Snowpack stability will become fair in moderate rain, 
particularly in areas of very thin snow cover.  Cornices will be 
weakened.  The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 
2). 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Still skiable on sections of the 
plateau. 
ICING:  A few more short ice pitches near complete but thin.
COMMENT: Hopefully only a brief and slight warming trend. 

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/04
A brief thaw - freeze cycle overnight has helped to consolidate 
the existing snowpack. Snow stability is generally good with a 
surface crust present at all levels. The avalanche hazard is Low 
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/04
Thaw conditions with rain at all levels is expected overnight and 
during Monday. Wet snow instabilities will be present on steep 
aspects and the tops of gullies with a North through East to 
South-East aspect. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate
(Category 2). Cornices will be wet and prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General cover above 700m.
ICING: Still limited and becoming wet below 1100m.
COMMENT: Only the very top of the Ben may stay frozen 
tomorrow (5/1/04)



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/04
The snowpack has started to become moist but remains 
generally stable in most places. Some isolated areas of soft slab 
exist in some North facing gullies above 950m. Where deeper 
accumulations of windslab exist bonding is moderate 
particularly on steeper slopes and the avalanche hazard is 
Moderate (Category 2) in these areas. 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/04
Rain is expected to affect the area with the freezing level rising 
to well above the summits. The rain will thoroughly saturate the 
snowpack and wet snow instabilities will exist on all steep 
slopes mainly above 750m. Avalanches are likely particularly 
where deep accumulations of windslab existed on Northerly 
aspects. The bonding between surface layers will be poor and 
cornices will be prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3). 
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500 metres, rising in the thaw
conditions.
ICING: Ice on rocks and paths will thaw at all levels.
COMMENT: Very wet climbing conditions. Danger of falling 
ice.


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/04
 There has been some overnight snow loss under 900 metres but 
above this altitude cooler conditions have improved stability of 
recent windslab developments on E to S aspects. The slight rise 
in the freezing levels and light rain have not yet affected the 
snow which is moderately bonded. The avalanche hazard is 
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/04
The freezing level will be over the summits and there will be 
light rain. All recent deposits with reasonable depth on N 
through to S aspects above 900 metres will become increasingly 
unstable and avalanches are likely. Cornices will be prone to 
collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 
3). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some snow loss on lower tracks. 
Remains reasonable on higher hills.
ICING: Good conditions for growth but subject to thaw.
COMMENT: Thaw conditions at all levels.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/04
Rain and a steady rise in temperature have moistened the pockets
of new windslab that lie on steep ground above 900 metres on
North-East to Easterly aspects. The avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3). Older slab on East to South aspects
above 850 metres is beginning to consolidate, but some of these
slopes and gullies are threatened by unstable cornices.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/04
Mild conditions and rain will induce some short-lived localised
wet snow instability in the most recent slab accumulations that
lie on North-East to East-facing gully tops, exit ramps and scarp
slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).
The snowpack will continue to consolidate in all other areas but
caution will be required anywhere below unstable cornices.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still reasonable above 500m but will 
deplete in mild, moist conditions.
ICING: Forecast to thaw at all elevations - 'nuff said?
COMMENT: The outlook is pretty mild and dreich.
 



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