NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/1/96
Some localised patches of windslab persist in a few sheltered
NW aspects above 1050m but these pose only a Low (Category 1)
hazard of avalanche. The remainder of the sparse snowpack has
been scoured down to hard neve.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/1/96
Some moderate snow showers on strong to very strong SE winds
may lead to the development of more significant deposits of
marginally stabilised windslab on sheltered NW to N aspects
above 1000m. Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche where
new windlab build up is greatest.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Snow line at approx. 1000m and sparse.
ICING:
Ice beginning to develop but still pretty poor. Buttress routes
remain marginal but frozen turf brings welcome relief in
places. Most popular gully routes in relatively good condition.
COMMENT:
Poor mountain conditions likely on plateau areas on Thursday.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/1/96
A generally stable snowpack exists through out the area.
However, some localised areas of unstable soft windslab are
present, most notably in Observatory Gully on Ben Nevis, but
also in other sheltered locations. Where this soft slab is
present, the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/1/96
The cold windy conditions will continue overnight and tomorrow.
Little change is expected to the existing snowpack. Small
localised areas of soft slab will be present in sheltered
locations, mainly on NW, N and NE aspects above 1100m. Where
this slab exists, the avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack will be stable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh dusting of snow above 700m.
ICING: Snowpack remaining frozen at all levels.
COMMENT: Large areas of ice have formed on many paths, even at
lower altitudes.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/1/96
Very little change has occurred in the sparse snow cover during
the last 24 hours, A dusting of fresh snow still exists above
400m.The strong E to SE winds have deposited very localised
areas of shallow windslab on sheltered N to W facing slopes.
Where windslab overlies old snow ice in summit gullies and
corrie headwalls the avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/1/96
Snow flurries along with strong  winds will continue to scour
the existing snow cover and transport soft snow on to the
sheltered N to W facing slopes above 500m.The avalanche hazard
is not expected to change and will remain Low (Category 1).
This only applies to localised areas such as summit gullies,
corrie headwalls and where deeper deposits of windslab overlie
the old patchy snow ice.
                
CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A dusting of fresh new snow above 300m.

ICING: Ice continuing to form on paths and rocks above 300m.

COMMENT: Significant windchill effect. Frosted buttresses still
give the best climbiing.

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