NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 21/1/04
The freezing level was at about 1200 metres today with light 
winds and drizzle.  The snowpack, where sampled at 1100 
metres on a Northerly aspect,  is well bonded with various 
densities of moist coarse grained layers.  Evidence of recent 
rockfall was noted. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 
2).   
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 22/1/04
The freezing level is forecast to stay persistently high, up to 
2400 metres.  Light to moderate rain will fall on an already rain 
soaked snowpack.  Moderate winds will be initially from the 
South-West then South, finally becoming Westerly.  The 
snowpack stability in areas of deeper cover will be good.  
Rockfall will be a hazard and glide cracks may appear.  The 
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some of the main gullies are still 
complete.
ICING: Leaking.
COMMENT: Consideration should be given to the removal of 
crampons on the fragile bare ground at the rim of the corrie.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 21/1/04
Thaw conditions have continued overnight and today
with moist South-Westerly winds. This has depleted the
snowpack further. Wet snow instabilities are still present on 
steep North through East to South East aspects above 1000
metres.  Elsewhere the snowpack is generally stable.  The
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 22/1/04
Further rain overnight and during Thursday will continue to
reduce the snowpack as freezing levels remain well above the
summits. The existing wet snow instabilities will remain on steep
North through East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres. The
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Little snow remaining below 800m.
ICING: 	Very much non-existent.
COMMENT: The warm cycle looks set to continue until the 
end of the weekend.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 21/1/04
Slightly cooler and drier conditions today have slowed down
the rate of thaw.  Much of the snowpack at lower levels has now 
gone with the best cover remaining in the higher North and East 
facing corries and gullies.  The general stability of the remaining 
snow cover is good in most areas, but isolated surface wet snow 
instabilities remain on the steepest slopes and gullies.  Some of 
these areas, predominantly North and East facing slopes above 900
metres are threatened by potentially weak cornices. The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 22/1/04
The mild conditions will continue with light to moderate rain.  
Surface wet snow instabilities may exist on the steepest slopes 
and large cornices will also remain prone to collapse threatening 
slopes below: these slopes will mainly be of Northern and
Easterly aspects above 900 metres.  Elsewhere the snowpack 
will be soft and wet but general stability will continue to 
improve.  The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 800 metres.
ICING: Thawing all levels.
COMMENT: Poor outlook.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 21/1/04
The skies cleared for a period last night with temperatures
becoming low enough for the surface layers of the patchy
remaining snow to firm up. Cover is now restricted to extensive
patches of well bonded snow. Exposed areas are mostly stripped
with greater remnants being found in high N to E facing corries
where the main gully lines are holding snow. The avalanche hazard
is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 22/1/04
It will be milder with light rain . Surface layers will be softer
but stability will remain good. The remaining patchy snow will be
well bonded on all aspects with greatest accumulations being
found in high N to E facing corries. The avalanche hazard will be
Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Limited to extensive patches with 
high N to E facing corries holding most snow. 
ICING: Buttresses are black. Main gullies are holding on to 
snow.  
COMMENT: Unlikely to cool down until Sunday.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 21/1/04
Thaw conditions have continued with light rain on moderate 
Westerly winds.  Wet snow instabilities persist on steep North 
through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres.  
Elsewhere the snowpack is soft and moist but generally well 
bonded and stable.  The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 
2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 22/1/04
Thaw conditions will continue on gale force Westerly winds 
with rain easing by morning.  Wet snow instabilities
will persist on all aspects but particularly on steep North 
through East to South-East slopes above 800 metres.  The 
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).  A residual 
hazard from falling cornice remnants and rock will exist from 
steep ground. 
          
CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover above 800 metres. 
ICING: None at the moment.
COMMENT: Falling cornice remnants and rock remain a 
hazard in continued thaw!
 



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