NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 17/2/04
There has been some fresh snow on moderate North-Easterly 
winds, with summit temperatures below freezing.  This has led 
to isolated pockets of soft new slab lying on a hard base mainly 
on Southerly aspects.  At 1100 metres on a South-East aspect 
field tests showed an easy shear on the hard snow-ice layer: 
otherwise the snowpack is generally well bonded.  The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).   
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 18/2/04
It will become dry with light variable winds and summit 
temperatures below zero.  Isolated pockets of soft slab on the 
hard snow-ice layer will show moderate stability.  The areas 
affected will be mainly South-East to South-West aspects above 
950 metres on steep exit slopes.  The avalanche hazard will be 
Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Skiable areas on the plateau with a 
fresh dusting of snow.
ICING: Ice improving mainly on lesser-angled Southerly 
aspects.
COMMENT: High pressure for the next few days.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 17/2/04
A dusting of fresh snow is present above 850m. Accumulations 
are slight and have not significantly added to the existing stable 
snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 18/2/04
Cold dry conditions will prevail for the next 24hrs. The 
snowpack will be well bonded and generally stable in all 
locations. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best cover in high North and East 
facing corries and deep gully lines above 900m.
ICING: Remaining cold. Ice build up is improving.
COMMENT: Busy day on Aonach Mor today. Fine and settled 
again for Wednesday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 17/2/04
Much of the snowpack has a firm surface and is generally very 
stable.  A light dusting of new snow fell overnight and is lying 
above 900 metres.   The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 18/2/04
Cold, calm and dry conditions will affect the area. This will 
maintain a re-frozen surface on most of the remaining 
snowpack.  Stability will generally be good but some surface 
instabilities may form on slopes affected by solar warming:
cornices above these areas may also weaken during the course 
of the day.  The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in sheltered corries and 
gullies above 850 metres.
ICING: Re-forming on rocks above 900 metres.
COMMENT: Good weather outlook but conditions limited 
mainly to higher easy gullies and ridges.  Snowpack hard and 
icy in places. 


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 17/2/04
A few isolated pockets of snow are to be found in sheltered 
locations above 900 metres but they have not achieved any 
significant depth. Older patchy snow remains well bonded and 
stable on all aspects. Largest areas of snow are to be found in
sheltered locations on N through E to SE aspects above 900 
metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 18/2/04
It will continue to be cool and dry. The patchy old snow will 
remain firm and well bonded. Greatest accumulationss will be found
on N through E to SE aspects above 900 metres. The avalanche 
hazard will be Low (Category 1). 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Largest patches in higher N through 
E to SE corries. 
ICING: Higher watercourses may offer some possibilities as the 
freezing level will be around 600 metres. 
COMMENT: A few easier snow gullies are just about 
complete.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 17/2/04
What remains of the snowpack is stable in all locations.  Sun-
exposed East to South aspects had some softer surface layers 
towards the end of the day but all other aspects remain firm and 
re-frozen.  There has been a thin general dusting of fresh snow 
above 800 metres but this presents no appreciable hazard.  The 
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 18/2/04
Cold and dry conditions will prevail overnight and during 
Wednesday.  The patchy snowpack will re-freeze and be stable.  
Any sun will warm and moisten surface snow layers on East to 
South aspects but the avalanche hazard will remain Low 
(Category 1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy above 800 metres. Shaded 
areas are crusty or hard.
ICING: Still very poor.
COMMENT: Creag Meagaidh quite busy with hill walkers and 
optimistic climbing/mountaineering parties.
 



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