NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/1/96
Near-surface and deeper instabilities exist in the snowpack in
many sheltered NW to N-facing aspects above 1050m. Marginally
to poorly stabilised windslab was noted on some crag approaches
in the N.Corries. Older windslab has been wind-etched on some N
aspects at around 950m, whilst many other areas are scoured
down to hard snow-ice.  Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche on NW to N-facing slopes above 1050m and crag
approaches.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/1/96
Some light snow showers are possible on moderate SE winds and
these may lead to the development of some pockets of moderately
bonded windslab on NW to N aspects above 1050m. Considerable
(Category 3) hazard of avalanche where new windslab development
is greatest in those areas. Some marginal consolidation of the
snowpack is expected at lower elevations.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Some recent drifting above 700m but still patchy below 950m.
ICING:
Many easy gully lines in reasonable conditions. Mixed routes
slow to improve.
COMMENT:
Wintry.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/1/96
A light dusting of snow exists above 600m. There is generally
insufficient accumulation to present any significant avalanche
hazard. The strong SE winds have however deposited small
localised areas of windslab, but these are restricted to NW
aspects, and other sheltered hollows, above 1000m. Where this
snow exists, the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/1/96
The cold SE airflow is expected to continue overnight and on
Monday, with no new snowfall. This will have little effect on
the existing snow stability. Small localised areas of windslab
will still be present on NW aspects and other sheltered
locations. Where this slab exists, the avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere, the snowpack will be stable.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin covering of new snow above 600m.
ICING: Ice continuing to form at all levels.
COMMENT: Large areas of water-ice have formed on many paths.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/1/96
A thin and sparse snow cover which is generally stable exists
above 300m. Strong winds however have formed isolated areas of
windslab on slopes with a W to N aspect and in sheltered summit
gullies. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) where
deeper accumulations of windslab have formed.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/1/96
A strong SE airstream with dry cold conditions will bring no
significant change to the condition of the snowpack with
isolated areas of windslab on W to N slopes and sheltered
summit gullies. Where deeper acumulations have formed or old
snow ice underlies the avalanche hazard will remain Moderate
(Category 2)


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 300m
ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 300m
COMMENT: Climbing conditions are improving with ice forming on
many watercourses. Higher ridges and buttresses are frosted and
should give some sport

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