NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/2/96
NE winds and recent heavy snowfall have combined to produce
areas of deep, soft windslab on steep S to W facing slopes and
gullies above 950m. Much of this new windslab shows poor
stability and gives rise to a High (Category 4) hazard of
avalanche in the areas specified.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/2/96
A few isolated snow showers on light to fresh N winds will add
some additional windslab to an already weakly stabilised
snowpack on steep S aspects. Snow stability in these locations
is expected to see no or little improvement. The avalanche
hazard will remain High (Category 4) primarily on steep S
aspects where avalanches will occur.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Fresh snow at all levels. Heavy drifting in many areas.
ICING:
Cold conditions will maintain the steady improvement noted
recently. Many buttress routes plastered with new snow.
COMMENT:
Fine skiing in the ski area on Monday and is looking good for
Tuesday. Ski-touring on the plateau also looks promising.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/2/96
A moderate NE wind has re-distributed most of the existing
areas of soft snow. Areas of weakly bonded windslab exist on
sheltered slopes and gullies with a S through to NW aspect.
Areas of hazard are localised and rated Considerable (Category
3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/2/96
A cold northerly airstream will continue to deposit wind blown
snow on to sheltered locations above 700m. Accumulations of
unstable windslab will be present on slopes and gullies with a
S through to W aspect, where avalanches are likely. The Red
Burn area, adjacent to the tourist path on Ben Nevis, will also
be loaded with unstable snow. As the day progresses areas of
hazard will form on SE aspects. The hazard will remain
Considerable (Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Dusting of fresh snow above 500m.
ICING: Icy patches on windblown slopes and on many paths.
COMMENT: Thin climbing conditions on Ben Nevis.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 19/2/96
Colder conditions overnight have consolidated the old snowpack
with refreezing taking place above 500m. New snow and northerly
light winds have formed pockets of shallow soft windslab in
sheltered areas. Greatest accumulations of windslab will be
found in gullies and slopes of an E through to S aspect above
700m. Where windslab overlies snow ice the avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3). These areas are very localised.


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 20/2/96
Decreasing winds and light snow showers overnight and during
the course of day will continue to build and form further
deposits of shallow windslab on most sheltered slopes. These
deposits will be very localised.The greatest accumulations of
new snow will be on S to SW slopes and in sheltered areas such
as gullies and hollows. Where deeper accumulations have formed
the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).
Otherwise the snowpack is generally stable.

 CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 650m.

ICING: Mainly above 500m.

COMMENT: Reasonable snow and ice conditions can be found on
many routes, giving good climbing.

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