NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 13/3/96
Strong SE winds with only light snowfall have left many slopes
scoured of any unconsolidated snow. Steep NW to N aspects still
exhibit moderately to poorly stabilised windslab and the
avalanche hazard remains High (Category 4) in these areas.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 14/3/96
Continuing strong SE winds and further light snowfall combined
with relatively cold temperatures will prevent any significant
stabilisation of the snowpack. Windslab will remain moderately
to poorly stabilised on steep NW to N aspects where avalanches
are likely. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Fresh snow cover down to 500m with heavy drifting in places.
ICING:
Cold temperatures are maintaining existing ice in gullies and
on buttresses.
COMMENT:
Cold, wintry conditions.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 13/3/96
Small areas of hard unstable windslab are present mainly on NW,
N and NE aspects and other areas sheltered from the southerly
wind. Elsewhere, the snowpack consists of old frozen snow and
is stable. Where this hard windslab exists, the avalanche
hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 14/3/96
No new snow is expected overnight, although the strong
southerly airflow will continue. Small areas of unstable hard
windslab will still be present on aspects sheltered from the
southerly winds. Accumulations will generally be confined to
NW, N and NE aspects. Where this snow exists, the avalanche
hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere, the snowpack
will be frozen and stable.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General cover above 700m.
ICING: The snow on all windblown slopes in hard frozen.
COMMENT: Ice axe and crampons essential for all hill users.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 13/3/96
Strong SE winds have formed areas of unstable windslab on slopes
with a W to N aspect and in sheltered areas such as gullies. In
other areas where the old snowpack is exposed a firm icy crust
is forming. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3)
in areas where deeper accumulations of windslab have formed.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 14/3/96
Cold conditions and strong SSE winds will not alter the
condition of the snowpack greatly. Where windslab exists on
slopes with a NNW to NNE aspect and in sheltered gullies and
hollows the avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category
3). Avalanches are likely in areas of greatest accumulation ,
otherwise the old snowpack will remain firm and icy in places.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m
ICING: Ice forming on rocks and paths above 200m
COMMENT: Conditions improving with colder conditions, however
areas of windslab require caution.

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