NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS

AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 16/12/04
Strong South-East winds and snow showers have formed deep
accumulations of windslab.  This slab exists mainly on North to
East aspects above 1000 metres.  Where tested at 1100 metres on a
North- East aspect the snowpack is weakly bonded with easy shears
between hard and soft layers.  The avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 17/12/04
Snow showers will continue above 350 metres on decreasing
North-Westerly winds with summit temperatures falling well below
zero.  This will form new and weakly bonded slab on steep East to
South aspects above 900 metres.  Localised areas of unstable slab
will also remain on steep North- East aspects.  Cornices will
start to form at the top of these slopes.  The avalanche hazard
will be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Drifts up to 150cm are developing above 900
metres.
ICING: Buttresses turning white and the ground is beginning to
freeze.
COMMENT: With little old snow underlying, instabilities will be
in new snow layers.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 16/12/04
Fresh snow is present above 900m. There are still no significant
accumulations, although larger deposits are starting to form at
the tops of sheltered North East and East facing slopes and
gullies above 1000m. No avalanche hazard category is being issued
for today.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 17/12/04
Strong W-NW winds will continue overnight accompanied by snow
showers above 400m. Significant localised accumulations will
continue to develop at the tops of East facing slopes and gullies
above 1000m. No avalanche hazard category is being issued for
Friday.
           
CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some fresh snow lying above 900m.
ICING: Freezing level lowering to around 400m on Friday.
COMMENT: Strong winds easing by Friday.
 


GLENCOE
Reports begin 21/12/04.

SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
Reports begin 21/12/04.

CREAG MEAGAIDH
Reports begin 21/12/04.


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