NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 11/1/05 The thaw has continued with rain on strong South-Westerly winds. At 1090 metres on a North-East aspect dry snow is still present beneath the wet surface layers and field tests showed some weakness. The areas affected are mainly on North-West through North to Easterly aspects above 1000 metres where deep accumulations lie. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 12/1/05 Unsettled conditions will continue with snow showers on very strong winds from the South-West veering West. Accumulations of slab will form on sheltered North-East to East aspects above 400 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep accumulations still exist mainly on NE aspects above 950m. ICING: Some ice present on the ground. COMMENT: Extreme weather expected! LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 11/1/05 The thaw has continued with rain at all levels today. The snowpack is still moderately well bonded. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Any remaining cornices are unstable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 12/1/05 A deep depression will pass close to Scotland tonight bringing strong winds and snow showers. Fresh areas of windslab will form in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of North-East, East and South-East facing slopes and gullies above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow at all levels on Tuesday. ICING: Freezing levels falling to 500m on Wednesday. COMMENT: Very strong winds overnight and tomorrow. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 11/1/05 Rain and sleet at the highest levels are affecting the area. The snowpack is generally stable on all but the steepest slopes and gullies where wet snow instabilities are present. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 12/1/05 Colder conditions will give snow overnight becoming showery during Wednesday. South-West veering Westerly severe gales will form unstable windslab in all sheltered locations mainly above 850 metres. Areas most affected will be in sheltered summit gullies and on scarp slopes with a North through to South-Easterly aspect, where avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Existing cover restricted to higher North and Easterly corries and gullies. New snow expected overnight and tomorrow. ICING: Freezing level becoming 600 metres. COMMENT: Very strong winds expected, gusting up to 90 m.p.h. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 11/1/05 Another wet and windy day has continued to thaw snow at all levels. Top surfaces of the remaining snow are saturated with snow moist throughout. Greatest accumulations are to be found on N to E aspects above 900 metres with patches elsewhere. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 12/1/05 There will be snow showers above 600 metres but this will be accompanied by extremely strong winds. New rapid forming accumulations will develop in very sheltered locations on NE to SE aspects. On steep sheltered terrain where deposits achieve depth over existing snow-ice avalanches are likely. Exposed areas will be scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mostly in N to E corries with a few deeper patches elsewhere. ICING: Nothing left. COMMENT: Probably not the best day to be out on the hills! CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 11/1/05 The mild and wet weather has resulted in a much depleted and saturated snowpack. Debris was noted from recent wet snow avalanches in Coire Ardair, with slump and creep lines evident around coire rims. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 12/1/05 Snow showers overnight and on Wednesday will be accompanied by exceptionally strong South-West then Westerly winds. During the storm cycle new snow instabilities are expected with windslab development on sheltered lee slopes and gully tops on North through East to South aspects above 800m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches only at present. Blizzards and snow showers should see some snow lying at all levels on Wednesday. ICING: Some potential for development with colder conditions. COMMENT: Wednesday will not be a good day for the hill! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------