NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 21/2/04 Cold, clear overnight conditions gave way to lowering cloud and light snow from the North-East above 600 metres by mid- morning. On a North-West facing test site at 900 metres, no significant accumulations or drifting were noted. However, the old snow-ice layers contained faceted crytals and a layer of surface hoar was present. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 22/2/04 Further snow showers, possibly prolonged, are forecasted, with fresh Northerly winds. This may lead to further build-up on existing shallow slab layers mainly on East and South aspects above 1000 metres. Due to cold snow temperatures and the presence of surface hoar, any new deposits will show poor bonding to underlying old snow. However, these new accumulations are unlikely to be of great depth. Some instabilities may be present on North-facing scarp slopes and gully tops.The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main old accumulations on corrie headwalls and plateau. ICING: Should improve rapidly. COMMENT: New snow over the next week will build on a poor bond with underlying layers. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 21/2/04 Very light snow showers and overcast skies have had no significant effect on the existing snowpack. Stability remains good through out the area. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 22/2/04 Conditions will remain cold with some light snowfall overnight and during Sunday. Any new snow accumulations are not expected to be significant. The old snow will remain frozen and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best cover in high North and East facing corries. ICING: Remaining cold, with conditions improving. COMMENT: Winds increasing from the North on Sunday. Significant wind-chill, looks like the sunbathing is over for a while. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 21/2/04 Settled conditions are maintaining the snowpack in a stable condition. A light dusting of new snow is lying above 850 metres. Isolated deposits of shallow soft slab have formed in sheltered locations mainly with a Southerly aspect above 1000 metres. These accumulations were not found to be of any significant depth. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 22/2/04 It will remain cool with strengthening Northerly winds and the possibility of light snow showers. Stability of the old snowpack will remain good with a widespread frozen surface in many areas. New snow and wind transport of existing light deposits will form areas of shallow moderately bonded windslab in sheltered locations such as summit gullies and South-East to South-West facing scarp slopes above 850 metres. These accumulations are not expected to be deep or extensive and should generally be avoidable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in sheltered corries and gullies above 850 metres. ICING: Re-forming on rocks and paths above 200 metres. COMMENT: Climbing conditions limited mainly to higher easy gullies and ridges. Snowpack hard and icy in places on Saturday. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 21/2/04 There has been a trace of new snow but the general situation remains unchanged with the well bonded old snow being firm and stable on all aspects. Largest amounts of snow are to be found on steeper N through E to SE facing slopes above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 22/2/04 Light snow showers on strong Northerly winds will start to build new deposits in sheltered locations on SE to SW aspects. These new deposits will be moderately bonded where they form over the firm snow-ice. This situation is most likely to occur in steeper locations above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Largest patches in higher N through E to SE corries. Some easy gullies are complete. ICING: Watercourses are probably the better option. Snow ice is well frozen and the turf is very firm. COMMENT: Should feel more like Winter on Sunday. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 21/2/04 There has been a trace of new snow falling on moderate Northerly winds but not enough to pose any additional hazards. The snowpack remains hard, well bonded and stable in all locations, with the largest patches of snow confined to locations above 850 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 22/2/04 There will be snow showers on strong Northerly winds. Fresh windslab development will begin on South-East through South to South- West aspects above 800 metres. Accumulations will be deepest in gullies, hollows and steep sheltered scarp slopes. Only moderate to weak bonding is likely where fresh slab develops on top of icy old snow deposits. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very patchy cover above 850 metres. ICING: A little ice development in cold temperatures but not enough to get excited about. Generally very poor climbing conditions are maintained. COMMENT: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------