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.

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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 22/2/96
Recent windslab deposits on E to SE aspects continue to
consolidate with good stability on all wind-scoured areas of
most other slope aspects. Some cornice development has occurred
above S to SW gullies. The avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 23/2/96
Light then moderate snow showers on strengthening SW winds will
lead to the development of fresh windslab, primarily on N and NE
aspects. By the end of the period avalanches are likely on
coire headwalls and steep, sheltered gully tops where there
will be a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Fair cover remains at all levels, with a thin breakable crust
in places.
ICING:
Reasonable development, fresh snow persists on many buttress
routes.
COMMENT:
Wintry conditions return. Poor mountain conditions in plateau
areas likely on Friday.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 22/2/96
A thaw and re-freeze at all levels has helped stabilise the
snowpack. A light dusting of snow exists above 1000m. Small
soft cornices have formed above E aspects. The snowpack is
generally stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 23/2/96
Strong SW winds and further snowfall overnight and on Friday,
will form areas of unstable windslab in sheltered locations.
Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of N, NE and E
facing slopes and gullies above 900m, where the avalanche
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Soft unstable
cornices will continue to form above NE and E aspects.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow lying to 600m.
ICING: Icy on many slopes and paths.
COMMENT: Ice continuing to form above 750m.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 22/2/96
The old snowpack is mainly firm with areas of melt freeze crust
above 700m. Pockets of shallow windslab have formed on
sheltered ground on N to E facing slopes.Where deeper windslab
lies in steep gullies the avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 23/2/96
Freshening SW winds and snow showers will deposit further
layers of windslab on sheltered N to E facing slopes above 750m.
Where layered windslab lies in steep gullies and sheltered
summit slopes the avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 650m.
ICING: Ice above 650m.
COMMENT: Some low level ice climbs still receiving attention;
The Screen,No.6 Gully.Corrie classics being climbed;SC,NC,and
Twisting Gullies, Deep Cut Chimney,Central Gully etc.Caution
required in easier gullies such as NW Gully,Summit Gully and
Great Gully.

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