NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/3/96
Unstable windslab lies on many W through to N facing gullies
and corrie headwalls. High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche in
these areas. Deepest accumulations were noted on NW aspects
above 950m and here stability was very poor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/3/96
SE winds and light snow showers are expected to lead to the
further development of poorly stabilised windslab on W to N
facing aspects. Avalanches are likely in these locations, where
a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche will prevail.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:
Good cover maintained down to 500m. Some plateau areas scoured
down to hard snow/ice or rocks; deep drifting elsewhere.
ICING:
Cold conditions ensuring reasonable quality ice - buttresses
still offer best options in present conditions. Much warmer
temps at weekend may bring about some deterioration.
COMMENT:
Excellent skiing again on Thursday.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/3/96
Light snow accompanied by SE winds has continued to form
localised areas of windslab. This fresh slab is mainly on NW
and N aspects above 700m. Where accumulations are greatest the
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/3/96
Light snowfall accompanied by continuing SE winds will further
load sheltered slopes with unstable windslab. Accumulations
will be greatest on slopes and gullies with a NW and N slope
aspect, above 700m in altitude. Where this fresh slab exists
the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Fresh
unstable cornices will also form above northerly aspects.



CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General snow cover above 600m.
ICING: Snow remaining icy on windblown slopes.
COMMENT: Ice below 900m, beginning to thaw on Friday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/3/96
Windslab exists mainly on W facing slopes and in localised
sheltered hollows and gullies with a N to NW aspect above 750m.
Where deep windslab lies in steep gullies the avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3).


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/3/96
Rising temperatures during Thursday night and Friday will load
and weaken further the existing windslab. Deep soft slab lying
on steep ground will be very unstable particularly at lower
altitudes. Avalanches are likely on the West face of Aonach
Dubh. Where soft slab lies on sheltered N to W slopes above
750m and in hollows and gullies the avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).




CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 550m.
ICING: Ice above 550m.
COMMENT: Temperatures rising.On climbs such as No.6 Gully
and No. 2 Gully (top of Dinner Time Buttress) on W face Aonach
Dubh avalanches are likely.

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