NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 9/2/96
Very heavy snow showers on storm force SE winds have created
deep accumulations of weakly stabilised windslab on steep,
sheltered N aspects as low as 550m. High (Category 4) hazard of
avalanche in these areas. Deep slab avalanche noted immediately
behind Coire na Ciste cafe. A few N-facing slopes and gullies
above 1000m may be heavily scoured by recent storm force winds.
Cairngorm stormbound.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 10/2/96
Moderating snow showers on strong SE winds are expected to
bring only a slight improvement to avalanche conditions on steep,
sheltered N aspects. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche on N facing slopes and gullies where avalanches are
likely.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Recent storm should improve the snow cover. Heavy drifting in
many locations.
ICING:
Rising temperatures over the weekend unlikely to bring short
term improvement.
COMMENT:
Access to Cairngorm above 550m denied by deep snow and blizzard
conditions on Friday.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 9/2/96
Gale force SE winds accompanied by snow have created areas of
unstable windslab. Greatest accumulations are on W, NW and N
aspects above 700m. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 10/2/96
Continuing strong winds with snow falling above 900m will
produce areas of unstable snow on many slopes. Below 900m, wet
snow avalanches are likely where significant accumulations of
fresh snow exist. Above 900m, slab avalanches will occur, mainly
on slopes with a W, NW and N aspect. The avalanche hazard will
be High (Category 4). Unstable cornices will exist especially
above NW aspects.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow at all levels, although now
thawing at lower altitudes.
ICING: Thawing below 1000m on Saturday.
COMMENT: Arduous underfoot conditions due to deep snow.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 9/2/96
Fresh snow exists at most levels and has formed deep drifts
in places. The greatest accumulation of new snow is on W
through to NE facing slopes and all sheltered gullies above
450m. Soft windslab has formed in sheltered areas but more
especially in gullies. Where windslab has formed on steeper
slopes or deeper accumulations have formed the avalanche hazard
is High (Category 4)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 10/2/96
Moderate snowfall overnight turning to rain at all levels
later will create a moist snowpack. Wet slab avalanches will
occur where snow lies to any depth with greatest hazard on
slopes with a W through to NE aspect and all sheltered gullies
and hollows. The avalanche hazard will remain High (Category 4)


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels, wet below 600m
ICING: Ice above 200m
COMMENT: Poor climbing conditions due to thaw, ridges and
buttresses the safer option. Avalanches will occur.

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