NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 17/2/96
Some light snow on declining NW winds has created a few
localised pockets of marginally to poorly stabilised windslab
on some E to SE aspects above 1050m. Considerable (Category 3)
hazard of avalanche in these locations. Older windslab at lower
elevations on these same aspects shows some recent
consolidation.  The snowpack in other areas is re-frozen and
stable.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 18/2/96
Heavy snowfall on strengthening W winds - becoming NE by early
pm - is  expected to lead to the rapid build up of windslab
primarily on E, then through to SW aspects. Avalanches are
likely in these areas. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Reasonable cover of hard or crusty snow above 550m with some
drifting in places.
ICING:
Still developing. Recent melt/freeze cycle has brought
considerable improvement to the quality of the snow/ice in most
popular gullies in the Northern Corries. Buttress and mixed
routes show some marginal improvement.
COMMENT:
Hard and icy in many plateau areas on Saturday.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 17/2/96
Fresh snow accompanied by westerly winds has created areas of
unstable soft slab above about 1000m. Greatest accumulations
are on E and SE aspects, notably at the tops of slopes and
gullies. There is a Considerable (Category 3) avalanche hazard
where this soft slab exists. Some small cornices have also
started to form in these locations.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 18/2/96
Snow showers above 1000m are expected to continue overnight,
and lower to 500m during Sunday. Areas of unstable snow will
continue to form on E and SE aspects above 1000m, especially at
the tops of gullies. Avalanches are likely in these locations.
Later in the day, hazard will also start to form on S and SW
aspects. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable
(Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Re-frozen snow above 700m with fresh snow
above 1000m.
ICING: Snow down to 400m freezing by Sunday p.m.
COMMENT: Unstable snow at the tops of many east facing gullies.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 17/2/96
Colder conditions have consolidated the old snowpack rendering
it stable.New snow and westerly winds are forming areas of soft
windslab in sheltered areas such as gullies and slopes of an
easterly aspect above 700m. Where windslab overlies older snow
the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) These areas
are of a localised nature.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 18/2/96
Strong winds and high snowfall overnight and during course of
day will form more extensive deposits of windslab on sheltered
slopes.  Greatest accumulations will be on slopes with an E
through to SW aspect and in sheltered locations such as
gullies. Avalanches are likely in these areas. Where deeper
accumulations form the avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 650m
ICING: Mainly above 700m
COMMENT: Climbing conditions are generally thin. Mainly easier
routes on higher crags. Windslab will require caution!

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