NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 20/2/96 Areas of localised windslab persist primarily on S TO SW aspects. Some activity noted from small cornice collapse above gullies on Stag Rocks. Some instability on these aspects also noted from sun-warming during the day. The avalanche hazard in these areas remains High (Category 4). Elsewhere consolidation of the snowpack is taking place. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 21/2/96 Little change to current fair conditions. Some light snow during Wednesday accompanied by moderate W winds may lead to the development of windslab on E facing aspects. In this event the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) with avalanches likely in these areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good snow cover at all levels ICING: Little change with gullies complete, new snow remaining on buttresses COMMENT: Good snow cover for most mountain activities. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 20/2/96 Localised areas of soft unstable windslab exist on many slope aspects. Main accumulations are on SW aspects and other sheltered hollows and gullies. Where the slab exists the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 21/2/96 A return to a warmer SW air-flow on Wednesday, is expected to bring fresh snow. Snow will lie above 800m, and existing unconsolidated snow will be re-distributed on to easterly aspects. Greatest accumulations will be on slopes and gullies with a N, NE and E slope orientation, above 1000m. Where the fresh windslab exists in significant quantities the hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow lying above 500m, main accumulations on westerly aspects. ICING: Windblown slopes and paths remain very icy in places. COMMENT: Limited choice of ice routes in condition. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 20/2/96 Colder conditions overnight have consolidated the old snowpack with refreezing taking place above 400m. New snow and northerly light winds have formed pockets of shallow layered windslab in sheltered areas. Greatest accumulations of windslab are in gullies and slopes of an E through to SW aspect above 700m. Where windslab overlies snow ice the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). These areas are very localised. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 21/2/96 Freshening SW winds and light to moderate snow showers will continue to build further deposits of windslab on most sheltered slopes. These deposits will be localised.The greatest accumulations of new snow will be on N through to E facing slopes and in sheltered areas such as gullies and hollows. Where deeper accumulations have formed the avalanche hazard will increase to Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 650m. ICING: Ice above 500m becoming 650m. COMMENT: Good snow and ice conditions on most routes, becoming warmer during the latter half of Wednesday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------