NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 26/1/96
Recent snow showers have resulted in localised accumulations of
windslab,primarily on NW facing slopes. In sheltered
areas of N facing gullies some development also noted. Where
cornices are developing these too require a degree of caution.
Avalanche hazard Considerablee (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 27/1/96
Further heavy snow showers in strong  winds will cause windslab
to develop primarily on W through to SW aspects. Where any
large accumulations occur, avalanches are likely. Avalanche
hazard Considerablee (Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Thin cover at all levels with some drifting in sheltered
locations.
ICING:
Easy gullies in fair/good condition, mixed routes improving.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 26/1/96
Despite the dusting of fresh snow, accumulations are sparse and
generally stable. This is due to the strong NE winds scouring
the old accumulations, which are present in Upper Observatory
Gully and No 2 Gully on Ben Nevis. Small areas of hard slab
exist, however this slab is generally well bonded. The
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 27/1/96
Strong winds and moderate amounts of snow will form small areas
of fresh windslab in sheltered locations on SW and W facing
slopes. Where this fresh slab exists the avalanche hazard will
be Moderate (Category 2).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Dusting of fresh snow above 600m.
ICING: Ice continuing to form at all levels.
COMMENT: Some watercourse climbs coming into condition on Ben
Nevis.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 26/1/96
A very sparse snow cover exists above 450m. The general
snowpack is very thin and stable. However the strong E to NE
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 SAT 27/1/96
Fresh snow showers with strong winds will continue to
scour the existing snow cover and transport new accumulations
of snow onto the sheltered SW to W facing slopes and all
sheltered areas above 500m. Windslab will form in sheltered
areas such as summit gullies and corrie headwalls. Where
deeper deposits of windslab have formed or overlie the old
patchy snow ice the avalanche hazard will increase to Moderate
(Category 2).




CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow falling above 300m.

ICING: Ice on paths and rocks above 300m.

COMMENT: Climbing conditions starting to improve but most
routes are still very thin and still need alot more snow.

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