NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/1/04
There has been heavy rain at all levels, and strong Westerly 
winds during the past 24 hours. After an initial period of 
instability the rain soaked snow is reasonably well bonded. 
However cornices and areas of steep soft snow show signs of 
instability. These can be found on all aspects, but especially 
North and East aspects above 950 metres. The avalanche Hazard 
is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/1/04
The weather will remain mild during the forecast period with 
heavy rain. The snow pack will continue to thaw rapidly. 
Stability will improve in these conditions. However instabilities 
will remain in any large areas of steep soft snow above 950 
metres. Cornices will be prone to collapse. The avalanche 
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Large areas of deep slush on 
plateau.
ICING: The buttresses are black, but small areas of ice remain.
COMMENT: Winter conditions disappearing fast in very mild 
weather.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/1/04
After an initial period of instability the wet snowpack is 
gradually starting to consolidate but areas of unstable wet
snow are still present on many aspects. Greatest accumulations 
are on North through East to South East aspects above 1000m, 
notably steep slopes, scarp slopes and crag aprons. The 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Cornices are 
prone to collapse. Wet avalanche debris observed on the above 
aspects, Aonach Mor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/1/04
The thaw conditions will continue for the next 24hrs. The 
existing wet snowpack will become saturated at all levels. Wet 
snow instabilities will be present, mainly on steep North through 
to East to South East aspects above 1000m.The avalanche 
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Any remaining 
cornices will remain prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best cover in N and E facing 
corries.
ICING: Freezing above the summits.
COMMENT: Hazard of rock and ice fall in thaw conditions.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/1/04
Wet and mild conditions have saturated the snowpack releasing 
numerous wet snow avalanches mainly on North and East facing 
slopes above 850 metres. Cornice debris also noted below 
these aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/1/04
The mild conditions will continue with heavy rain at all levels
overnight and on Tuesday. The snowpack will remain in a saturated
state maintaining  wet snow instabilities on the steepest slopes
and gullies. Large cornices will also remain prone to collapse
threatening slopes below.  Elsewhere the snowpack will be soft
and wet but general stability will continue to improve. The
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3)

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 700 metres.
ICING: Thawing all levels.
COMMENT: Poor outlook.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/1/04
With temperatures rapidly rising last night there has been a 
period of instability with avalanche debris noted on most slopes 
at Lochnagar. Significant snow loss has occurred especially 
where cover was superficial. Moderately bonded deposits are to 
be found in deeper accumulations on steep slopes on mainly N 
through E to SE aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate 
(Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/1/04
The thaw will continue tomorrow leaving the remaining snow 
wet but generally well bonded. On steeper slopes on mainly N 
through E to SE aspects moderately bonded deposits will be 
found in deeper accumulations above 900 metres. The avalanche 
hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). Remaining cornices will 
have the potential to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Significant snow loss has occurred 
with superficial deposits thawing rapidly.
ICING: Faces black, ledges holding snow and main gully lines 
complete in Lochnagar. 
COMMENT: Cornice collapse and rock fall will continue to 
provide a hazard tomorrow.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/1/04
Milder temperatures and moderate to heavy rain have seen a
period of high instability: debris from loose wet snow
avalanches is evident below 800 metres on North East through 
to East facing slopes.  The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/1/04
Although the period of highest instability is likely to have 
passed, mild temperatures and heavy rain will continue to
moisten the snowpack and maintain poor bonding on steepest 
North through East to South East aspects above 800m.  The 
avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thaw conditions leading to a much 
depleted snow cover. None below 600 metres.
ICING: The little that was is fast disappearing.
COMMENT: Any remaining cornices should be treated with 
extreme caution.
 



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