LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/04 Large areas of unstable windslab are present, greatest accumulations being on steep North, North-East, East and South-East aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Avalanche activity noted on North-East, East and South-East aspects at 1200 metres on Aonach Mor. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/04 Snow showers are expected to continue with moderate winds at summit level. Large areas of unstable snow will be present, greatest accumulations being on steep North, North-East, East and South-East aspects. Avalanches are likely, notably in gullies with the aspects previously mentioned. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good general cover above 550m. ICING: Remaining cold. COMMENT: Some deep snow higher up making walking interesting! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/04 There have been further snow showers with winds from the North-West easing during the night and becoming very light during the day. Some pockets of new surface hoar were noted on North-East and East aspects. The slab instability still exists with a two hard slabs shearing cleanly on softer layers. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/04 Overnight winds will be from the East, going to the North- West during Friday. With further snow showers, heavy at times, the distribution of unstable snow will become more widespread including East, South-East and Westerly aspects above 950 metres. On steeper unsupported terrain with extensive snow cover, particularly approach and exit slopes to climbs, the slab will be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Slowly improving cover on plateau ICING: Slow but steady growth. COMMENT: Scotland mountains, with due care and attention, are the place to be. The Alps have 2400 metre freezing level, rain and Category 5. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/04 There are deep accumulations of soft unconsolidated snow on slopes and gullies of many aspects. Frequent snow showers overnight formed deposits of windslab in sheltered gullies and on slopes with a North to South-Easterly aspect mainly above 900 metres. Where this windslab lies on steeper slopes stability is poor. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Avalanche debris and a cornice triggered avalanche noted below North-Easterly aspects at 950 metres today. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/04 Strong variable winds and significant new snow will affect the area overnight and on Friday. New snow and wind transport will continue to add to already weakly bonded accumulations of windslab in all sheltered gullies and also on slopes with a West through North to South- Easterly aspect mainly above 750 metres. Weak cornices will continue to form above these locations. Avalanches will occur where deep accumulations of windslab exist. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 400 metres with deep drifting on many aspects above 850 metres. ICING: Ice forming on rocks above 850 metres. COMMENT: Many of the higher ridges and buttresses plastered with soft recent snow. Windslab and cornices will require great caution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/04 Some consolidation of recent soft slab accumulations has taken place. Large cornices remain on North through East to South East aspects where the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/04 Isolated snow showers will continue with moderate East becoming North Westerly winds throughout the period. This is not expected to cause any significant change to the current conditions. Any large cornices on North through East to South East aspects will remain suspect, and on the scarpe slopes below these locations the avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Slow thaw below 600 metres which is depleting a general cover of recent snow. ICING: No significant development. COMMENT: No base formed below surface snow (Ski tourers beware..downhill descents!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------