NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 1/2/05 It has been dry and sunny for most of the day with light winds from the North-West and the freezing level above the summits. The snowpack on all aspects and altitudes is consistent in density to the ground and is generally stable. The avalanch hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 2/2/05 North-Westerly winds with some rain will continue to moisten the snowpack. The freezing level will be above the summits. The snowpack will be continue to soften but will be generally stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Surprisingly good cover on the plateaus of Cairngorm and Braeriach ICING: Wet ice patches still make awkward going on the plateau. COMMENT: The Northern Corries look dry, dirty and loose. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 1/2/05 Cooler temperatures overnight have helped to slow the rising snowline. Snowpack stability is generally good. Localised surface instabilities are present on steep slopes exposed to solar radiation. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 2/2/05 Thaw conditions with rain will continue to thaw the snowpack at all levels. Snowpack stability will remain generally good. Localised surface instabilities will be present mainly on steep East, South-East and South aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain on E aspects. ICING: Most slopes not exposed to solar radiation remain hard frozen. COMMENT: Freezing level remaining above the summits. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 1/2/05 Fairly mild and dry conditions today are affecting the area. Snowpack stability is generally very good on all but the steepest slopes where wet snow surface instabilities remain. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 2/2/05 It will remain mild with freezing levels above the tops for the period. Moderate rain will fall overnight and through Wednesday at all levels further reducing the snow cover. With precipitation amounts not expected to be great snowpack stability will generally remain good on all but the steepest North-East to South-Easterly slopes and gullies where surface wet snow instabilities will exist. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Greatest accumulations of snow remain in the higher Northern and Eastern corries. ICING: Freezing levels expected to be around 1500 metres for period. COMMENT: Climbing conditions are limited due to ongoing thaw affecting the area. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 1/2/05 There has been further snow loss at lower altitudes. On the higher summits the thaw has slowed as the freezing level lowered to about 1200 metres. The remaining snow is well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 2/2/05 Thaw conditions will continue with further snow loss expected. Largest areas of snow will be found high on the Cairngorm Plateau and on NE to SE aspects above 950 metres. The snow will be soft but stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: There is snow on the Cairngorm Plateau but the thaw is reducing cover. ICING: None observed. COMMENT: The high East aspects of Beinn a'Bhuird are still holding snow. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 1/2/05 It has been dry and sunny with freezing levels above summits. The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable on all aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 2/2/05 There will be moderate rain on strong Westerly winds. The snowpack will continue to diminish but will be generally well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). A residual hazard of falling ice, rock and collapsing cornices will be maintained in thaw conditions. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: In major retreat with high North to East corries holding the most. ICING: Now a figment of my imagination or well on its way to the sea! COMMENT: Summit temperatures of +1.7 and overnight rain have reduced snow cover dramatically. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------