SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 6/3/04 From about 800 metres the snow has refrozen and has a firm crust. There has been a trace of new snow but amounts are insignificant and the remaining snow is generally well bonded on all aspects. Cover is well broken from Glen Shee to Lochnagar with greater continuity of cover on the higher plateau areas of the South Cairngorms. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 7/3/04 Very light snow showers will not form any significant accumulations. The snow will be generally well bonded on all aspects with a firm surface crust. Cover will be well broken on the White Mounth with more continuous snow to be found on the South Cairngorms. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The higher plateau areas of the South Cairngorms have reasonable cover. ICING: Strong crust on snow-ice. Remaining cold. COMMENT: Buttresses black on Southerly aspects. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 6/3/04 Light accumulations of new snow above 900m the snowpack stability is still generally good. Some isolated accumulations of weakly bonded windslab exist on steep slopes and in the higher gullies with a North though to a Northeasterly aspect mainly above 950 metres. The avalanche hazard in these locations is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 7/3/04 Light snow showers and fresh Northerly winds will affect the area the new snow is not expected to be extensive only a light dusting. The snowpack will remain generally stable with only localised areas of shallow windslab present in sheltered locations with a Northeast though to Southeasterly aspect. The greatest hazard will be on steeper slopes and especially around the tops of gullies where windslab has formed above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) in these areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in sheltered high corries and gullies above900 metres. Some ice smears are still present above 800m. ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 700 metres. COMMENT: Where routes are complete the snow conditions are good. Remaining cold. Freezing level around 400m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 6/3/04 Moderate North-West winds brought a few snow showers during Saturday which gave rise to some soft windslab development on steep ground above 1000 metres. Accumulations were generally thin but some deeper pockets were noted in places. The remainder of the snowpack has been re-frozen and continues to be well-stabilised. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 7/3/04 A little more snow on Northerly winds is forecast. Some thin new patches of windslab are possible on steep East to Southerly aspects above 1000 metres. Cool overnight temperatures will maintain the stabilising trend in the snowpack in all other locations. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Largest patches above 800 metres. A dusting of new snow near summits with a little drifting in places. ICING: Not the best build up but people are climbing on what there is. Some Post Face routes received their first ascents this winter. Freezing level at 400m overnight and 500m on Sunday. COMMENT: The Post Face was draped with ropes on Saturday and the car park was full. Book your route early to avoid disappointment! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 6/3/04 Light snow overnight with the freezing level remaining around 1100m has seen little change to the existing snowpack. Areas of soft, moderately well bonded snow are present mainly on sheltered North, North-East and East facing slopes and gullies above 1100m. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 7/3/04 A Northerly airflow and light snow showers are expected overnight and during Sunday. Areas of shallow windslab will be present on aspects sheltered from the Northerly wind. Greatest accumulations will be North East through East to South aspects above 1100m, mainly at the tops of gullies and steep slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some fresh snow above 850m today (Saturday). ICING: Freezing around 1100 metres today (Saturday). COMMENT: Colder for Sunday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 6/3/04 Above 800 metres there were some prolonged snow showers and moderate Northerly winds. New accumulations were noted on all aspects. A snow profile was done on a North aspect at 1100 metres where the shear due to facets was still evident. This instability has limited distribution but may be found on all aspects and is a concern on steep unsupported terrain. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 7/3/04 Further snow showers are forecast with additional accumulations mainly on South aspect. The slab instability will be further loaded by new snow above 900 metres. Steep unsupported terrain of all aspects will be a concern. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some loss below 700 m due to thaw but still reasonable cover with careful choice on the plateau. ICING: Limited fat ice; climbing opportunites are mostly mixed. COMMENT: Care still required to avoid the slab on a weak faceted layer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------