NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/2/96
Generally dry and mild conditions have stabilised the snowpack
in most locations. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche. Some
slumped and drooping cornices noted over E to SE and
N-facing slopes and gullies.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/3/96
Little change is expected in current avalanche conditions in
most areas. A few thin patches of new windslab are possible on
SE aspects. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Good cover of generally wet snow above 500m. Plateau cover
remains complete.
ICING:
Mild conditions not improving matters at present. Sustained
re-freeze required.
COMMENT:
Ski-touring on the plateau 'interesting' in flat light, misty
conditions.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/2/96
Thawing is occurring up to and above the summits. Areas of
unstable snow exist at all levels. Below 1000m the snowpack is
moist and weakly bonded. Above 1000m areas of hard slab exist,
mainly on N, NE and E aspects. Although the surface of the
snowpack is beginning to thaw, the hard slab remains weakly
bonded. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/3/96
Colder conditions overnight and on Friday, will help stabilise
the snowpack. A frozen crust is expected to form on the snow at
altitudes above 900m. Light snowfall and NW winds will form
fresh areas of windslab, these areas are expected to be small
and restricted to E and SE aspects. Below 900m the snow will
remain moist and generally stable. The avalanche hazard is
expected to be Moderate (Category 2).



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Moist snow above 600m.
ICING: Icy patches will reform above 800m.
COMMENT: Large cornices remaining above easterly aspects.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/2/96
Milder conditions at all levels are moistening the snowpack and
have released several avalanches in north east facing gullies.
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) where deeper
accumulations of old windslab remain.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/3/96
Light snow showers above 800m with fresh NW winds. The old
snowpack will gradually become more stable, pockets of shallow
windslab will form in sheltered areas such as gullies and
slopes with a SE aspect. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate
(Category 2) on steeper corrie headwalls and sheltered gullies.

                              
CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m
ICING: Thawing ice mainly above 700m
COMMENT: Mild conditions, however some good mixed climbing on
higher ridges and buttresses Hazard of falling ice and rocks

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------