NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/12/95
Wind drifting of snow on strong SE winds is maintaining the
build up of poorly stabilised windslab on steep NW to NE facing
aspects above 900m. A weak facetted layer of snow underlies
some of these areas and gives rise to very poor stability in
places. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/1/96
Persistent snow showers on strong SE winds will bring little
change to the present Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche. Poorly stabilised windslab development is expected
on steep NW to NE facing slopes and gullies where avalanches
are likely.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some areas are now scoured of snow but there
is heavy drifting in places.
ICING: Remains generally poor. Gullies lack any significant
build up of neve and buttress routes remain 'thin'. However,
reasonable frozen turf reported on a few routes.
COMMENT: Heavy wind drifting of snow likely to make the 'walk
in' to most climbing venues hard work. Happy New Year!



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/12/95
Localised areas of unstable snow are still present, mainly on
SW, W and NW aspects. The strong winds have continued to erode
the unconsolidated snow off of all exposed slopes. The avalanche
hazard is Moderate (Category 2 Localised).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/1/96
Snow showers and strong SE winds are expected overnight and
tomorrow. This will have little effect on the existing
avalanche hazard. Localised deposits of unstable snow will
continue to form in sheltered locations, mainly SW, W and NW
aspects. Slopes exposed to the wind will have little snow
accumulation. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2
Localised).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin cover of snow at all levels.
ICING: Extensive ice on many slopes and paths.
COMMENT: Crampons and ice axes essential for all hill users.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/12/95
Isolated areas of dense windslab exist on W to NE slopes
mainly above 700m.On steeper ground such as summit gullies
the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2 Localised).


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/1/96
The strong SE winds will persist bringing light snow showers
above 400m.Sheltered ground facing W to NE will contain further
layers of windslab.As the freezing level rises areas of deeper
windslab in summit gullies and corrie headwalls will become
less stable.In these areas the avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3 Localised).




CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels.
ICING: Ice at all levels.
COMMENT: Gales affecting summits and ridges rising
temperatures affecting low level ice climbs.HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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