NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 7/1/05 The thaw has continued with rain and strong South-West winds. Where deep accumulations lie on steep North through East to South-West aspects above 900 metres a slush layer is present but the snowpack is relatively well bonded. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 8/1/05 There will be heavy snow on increasing South-East turning Westerly winds. Deep accumulations of weakly bonded slab will form on North-West through North to South-East aspects mainly above 800 metres. Avalanches are likely in these areas especially where the old snow-ice remains. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Looking very bare. ICING: Unfrozen ground with a few small patches of thawing ice. COMMENT: Pack your goggles, winter returns. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 7/1/05 The continuing thaw conditions at all levels has led to the consolidation and stabilisation of the existing snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 8/1/05 A band of heavy snow overnight will be followed by snow showers and strong Westerly winds during Saturday. Fresh areas of unstable snow will form in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of North-East, East and South- East facing slopes and gullies above 1000m. Avalanches are likely in these areas as the day progresses. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations in East facing corries. Patchy elsewhere. ICING: Freezing level lowering to 400m during Saturday. COMMENT: 100mph winds over the summits early on Saturday. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 7/1/05 Recent thaw conditions with very heavy rain (156 mm yesterday) have reduced the snowpack. The greatest deposits of snow remain in the higher North and East facing corries and sheltered summit gullies. Stability is generally good on all but the steepest slopes and areas below cornices. Avalanche hazard Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 8/1/05 Colder conditions will bring heavy snow overnight turning showery on Saturday. Strong winds initially South-East will veer and strengthen to severe gale from the West by morning. Unstable windslab will form in all sheltered areas as new snow and older deposits are transported by the variable winds. Greatest accumulations of unstable windslab will be on slopes with a North through to South-East aspect and in all sheltered summit gullies and hollows in particular where old snow underlies. Avalanches are likely in these areas. Avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow overnight and tomorrow. ICING: Will start to re-form with colder conditions. COMMENT: Winter returns, windslab and cornices will require great caution. Remaining windy. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 7/1/05 Very mild and wet conditions overnight have significantly reduced the snow cover. The remaining snow is patchy and moist but generally stable. On steeper terrain where deeper accumulations exist the snow is moderately bonded. These localised deposits are mainly to be found in very sheltered areas on N to E aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 8/1/05 Heavy snow overnight will form unstable windslab in sheltered locations on NW to NE aspects. By Saturday deposits will form on NE to SE aspects. Avalanches are likely where these new deposits acquire depth, especially where a snow-ice base is present. Scarp slopes, gully exits and steep burns above 900 metres will be most affected. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very patchy with greatest amounts in high N to E facing corries. ICING: Significant reduction overnight: None observed. COMMENT: Difficult mountain conditions expected. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 7/1/05 We've had approximately 100mm of rain in the past 24 hours and so snowpack is now thoroughly wet at all altitudes. Glide cracks are now present in well-known full depth avalanche start zones. Cornice debris is a feature below some steep North-East to South-East aspects. The onset of slightly drier and cooler conditions has brought some marginal consolidation to the snowpack on easier- angled ground above 900 metres, however the avalanche hazard remains Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 8/1/05 Much colder and very wintry weather will bring a period of poor snow stability on Saturday. There will be a significant amount of snow available for transport on South-East then Westerly winds. Poorly-stabilised windslab build up can be expected on steep West through North to South-East aspects above 800 metres, where avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Old snow patches above 750m on Friday. Snow cover expected to improve. ICING: Little improvement likely on ice routes. Re-freeze will improve the quality of the thin ribbons of snow-ice that are present in a few gullies. COMMENT: Careful route selection essential in forecasted poor mountain conditions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------