NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 22/2/04 Moderate and heavy snow showers, somewhat more than forecast, have contributed to slab development on East and South aspects with more variable loading on small local features. In field tests this slab gives very easy shears. Cornice breaks were also triggered. Although the distribution of this slab is quite limited the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 23/2/04 More snow showers are forecast with winds gaining strength and moving from North to North-West and then Westerly. Unstable slab will continue to build on approach slopes of East through South aspects and more variable aspects on the exit slopes of the main gullies. This slab should be mainly avoidable on remaining bare snow-ice surface or still scoured ground. Avalanches are likely and the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Strong Northerly winds putting most snow on South aspects. ICING: Still minimalist approach for ice but winter activities okay for performance climbing seminar participants at Glenmore Lodge. COMMENT: Scary rockfall still being reported. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 22/2/04 Another dry and cold day has had little effect on the snowpack which remains frozen and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 23/2/04 A band of heavy snow and strong Westerly winds is expected to cross the area during Monday afternoon. Until this snow arrives, snowpack stability will remain good. Later on Monday afternoon, unstable windslab will begin to form in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of North- East, East and South-East facing slopes and gullies. This fresh windslab will be poorly bonded to the underlying frozen snow layers. The avalanche hazard will increase to Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best cover in high N and E facing corries. ICING: Conditions still good. COMMENT: Depending on the timing of the new snow, route exits may require care later on Monday afternoon. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 22/2/04 Cold conditions are maintaining the old snowpack in a stable condition. A light dusting of new snow above 650 metres and strong Northerly winds have formed isolated accumulations of moderately bonded windslab in sheltered locations. These localised areas are mainly around the tops of South-East to South-West aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 23/2/04 It will remain cool with North-West winds backing West and strengthening later on Monday. Precipitation will fall as light snow showers with the risk of moderate snow later on Monday. 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 weakly bonded windslab in sheltered locations such as summit gullies and North-East through East to South facing slopes above 850 metres. Bonding to the underlying snow-ice will be poor particularly as heavier snowfall affects the area. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in sheltered corries and gullies above 850 metres. ICING: Re-forming on rocks and paths above 200 metres. COMMENT: Old snowpack hard and icy in places. Fresh windslab will require great caution SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 22/2/04 Snow showers falling in strong winds have led to new deposits forming in a few very sheltered locations on mainly S to SW aspects above 950 metres. Where new deposits overlie older snow ice bonding is poor mainly due to previously noted surface hoar. These areas are mostly avoidable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere is wind blown and stable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 23/2/04 The snow showers will ease but it will get windy again later in the day. Windslab will be found in very sheltered locations mainly on SW to SE aspects above 950 metres. Deeper accumulations that overlie older snow ice will remain moderately to weakly bonded. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin cover as most new snow has been blown straight off the hill! Few sheltered areas have new snow. Old patches remain. ICING: Poor day for observation although there is plenty of ice forming round some watercourses. COMMENT: Staying cold above 700 metres. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 22/2/04 There has been little change from overnight conditions. The snowpack is sparse, frozen and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 23/2/04 Snow showers are forecast overnight and for Monday on moderate North-West winds. This will lead to windslab development on South-East to South-West aspects above 850m, mainly on steep sheltered scarps and gully exits. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very sparse, patches only above 850m ICING: Little build up, very lean conditions. COMMENT: Generally very poor climbing conditions with only easy gully lines complete. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------