NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 16/2/96
Light to moderate snow showers in combination with very strong
NW winds have led to the development of marginally stabilised
windslab on E to SE aspects. The poorest stability was noted in
these locations on slopes inclined at 40 to 45 degrees above
1050m. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in these
areas. Most N facing slopes and gullies have been re-frozen and
have a hard or crusty snow/ice surface.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 17/2/96
Light then moderate snow showers and declining NW winds are
expected to be interrupted by a rapid rise in temperature
during Saturday morning. Avalanches are likely on high E to SE
aspects where existing windslab lies and where new poorly
stabilised windslab will develop by the end of the period.
Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in these areas.
The snowpack on most N aspects is expected to remain generally
stable.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Reasonable cover of hard or crusty snow above 550m.
ICING:
Still developing. Melt/freeze cycles will improve the condition
of most gully routes in the Northern Corries. Buttress and
mixed routes should also see some marginal improvement.
COMMENT:
Underfoot conditions were hard and icy in many places above
1000m on Friday.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 16/2/96
A return to colder conditions has produced a frozen surface
crust on the remaining snow. This has helped stabilise the
snowpack. Deposits of fresh snow are insignificant in quantity
to form any avalanche hazard.  Hazard Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 17/2/96
Fresh snow fall is expected above 600m, accompanied by NW
winds. Areas of fresh unstable windslab will be present on
sheltered slopes and gullies with a E, SE and S aspect. Fresh
unstable cornices will also form above SE facing slopes. The
avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable (Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow lying above 700m.
ICING: Many icy patches remaining on paths and slopes.
COMMENT: Thin conditions prevail. Choice of ice routes limited
to a few routes on Ben Nevis.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 16/2/96
Colder conditions are consolidating the old snowpack, rendering
it in a generally stable condition. New snow and strong winds
are forming pockets of shallow windslab in sheltered areas
mainly of an easterly aspect above 800m. These areas are of a
localised nature. Where windslab overlies older snow the
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 17/2/96
Strong westerly winds and high snowfall during the course of
day the will form more extensive deposits of windslab on slopes
of an easterly aspect and in sheltered areas such as gullies.
Where deeper accumulations form the avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).
                    
CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m
ICING: Mainly above 700m
COMMENT: Climbing conditions are thin but improving with colder
weather, mainly higher routes of the easier grades. Windslab
will require caution.

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