NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/2/96
Mild, wet conditions have saturated recent windslab deposits in
most locations. Steep SE to SW aspects show poorest stability,
as do sheltered areas of many N facing gullies above 1000m.
High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche in these areas. Fresh
loose snow avalanche debris noted below the Trident gullies in
Coire an t-Sneachda.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/2/96
A return to more wintry conditions will initially re-freeze and
stabilise the snowpack in most locations. However, light to
moderate snow showers on strong W winds will lead to the
development of new windslab on E aspects. Localised
accumulations of marginally stabilised slab are likely in
sheltered areas of these locations where a Considerable
(Category 3) hazard is expected by the end of Friday.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Wet snow above 500m on Thursday. Hard or crusty conditions with
some new drifting likely on Friday.
ICING:
Much better ice is likely to develop with the return to wintry
weather.
COMMENT:
Poor mountain conditions expected on the plateau.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/2/96
Thaw conditions at all altitudes have caused the surface layer
of the snowpack to thaw. Below this moist layer the snowpack
remains dry and has begun to stabilise. The avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/2/96
A return to colder conditions on Friday will freeze the surface
layer of the snowpack, helping to further stabilise the snow.
Snow showers and W winds will form fresh areas of localised
windslab on NE, E and SE aspects. Where the fresh slab exists
the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remaining on W and N
aspects above 700m.
ICING: Icy conditions expected on Friday.
COMMENT: Ice axes and crampons essential.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/2/96
Rain at all levels is thoroughly moistening the snowpack
forming areas of unstable wet slab with greatest accumulations
to be found on slopes with a NW through to NE aspect and in
sheltered gullies and hollows. The avalanche hazard is High
(Category 4) where deeper accumulations of wet slab exist

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/2/96
Colder conditions overnight will stabilise the existing
snowpack. Strengthening westerly winds will deposit snow on
slopes with a NE through to SE aspect and in sheltered areas of
all aspects. New snow overlying the old snowpack will form
unstable windslab. Avalanches are likely where accumulations are
deepest. Avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3)



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m
ICING: Ice above 600m
COMMENT: Older snow pack will refreeze but fresh windslab
will require caution

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