NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/2/96
Fresh, poorly stabilised windslab exists on N through to NE
facing aspects. Large dry slab avalanche triggered in Coire
Laogh Mor 1245hrs. Avalanche hazard in these areas is High
(Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/2/96
Further fresh snow with strong SSW winds will lead to
additional windslab build up primarily on steep N to NE facing
slopes and gullies where avalanches will occur. This will
maintain the current High (Category 4) avalanche hazard.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Reasonable cover remains at all levels.
ICING:
Fair build up.
COMMENT:
Careful route selection needed in Northern Corries.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/2/96
Overnight snowfall and strong SW winds have loaded unstable
windslab onto many sheltered locations. This fresh windslab is
poorly bonded to the underlying snow surface. Greatest
accumulations are present at the tops of N, NE and E facing
slopes and gullies. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3). Unstable cornices are forming at the tops of
easterly aspects.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/2/96
A S-SW airflow, accompanied by snowfall to above 500m will
continue to form unstable windslab. Greatest loading will be on
slopes and gullies with a NW through to E aspects, and other
sheltered locations. Avalanches are likely in these locations.
Deep, unstable accumulations will be present especially at the
tops of gullies. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable
(Category 3). Fresh cornices will be unstable and prone to
collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh drifted snow above 650m.
ICING: Windblown slopes and paths remaining icy.
COMMENT: Ice routes continuing to form above 500m.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/2/96
Frequent snow showers and fresh SW winds have deposited areas
of deep soft slab on N to E facing slopes.Many sheltered hollows
and gullies contain accumulations of very unstable snow.Where
deep windslab lies on steep ground such as corrie headwalls and
summit gullies there is a Considerable avalanche hazard
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/2/96
Strong SW winds and heavy snow showers will deposit further
layers of weakly bonded windslab on N to E facing slopes above
700m.Any sheltered ground and particularly steep corrie headwalls
and summit gullies will contain deep unstable snow.In these areas
avalanches will occur.The avalanche hazard will be High
(Category 4).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 600m.
ICING: Ice above 650m.
COMMENT: Approaches and descents into corries require caution
any sheltered ground contains deep unstable snow.Ridges and
buttresses the safer option although care needed in hollows.


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