NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/97
Some very light snow showers have created a thin dusting of snow in
most places. Old snow build up is negligible although some small
isolated patches were noted high on a few sheltered N aspects.  Low
(Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/97
More pronounced snow showers late in the period and gale to storm
force E to SE winds will bring little change to current avalanche
conditions. Local counter winds are unlikely to allow any
significant build up of new snow on steep W to N aspects above
1050m. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A thin dusting disguises rock and heather in many
places. Generally very poor.
ICING: Poor. Cold conditions are allowing some limited ice
development. Gullies devoid of snow/ice.
COMMENT: Ascents of some hard, technical routes reported. Jacob's
Ladder in Coire an t'Sneachda climbed by a pair, but was well above
grade.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/97
A sparse snowcover exists above 1000m. There is not sufficient snow
accumulation to constitute any significant avalanche hazard. There
are however small localised patches of windslab which are generally
confined to sheltered Northerly aspects above 1100m. The avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/97
Light snow and gale force SE winds are expected overnight and during
Wednesday. No fresh accumulations are expected during the period and
the avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1). Small localised
patches of windslab will remain and will be generally confined to
sheltered Northerly aspects above 1100m.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light snowcover above 1000m.
ICING: Ice continuing to form above 500m.
COMMENT: Blizzard conditions developing later on Wednesday.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/97
A very light dusting of snow exists above 850m mainly on slopes
sheltered from the strong Easterly winds affecting the area at
present. These accumulations are generally insignificant in
depth. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/97
The strong cold Easterly airflow will continue with light snow
showers turning moderate later in the day. Any accumulations of
snow will be on slopes with a west through to north aspect and in
sheltered hollows. Accumulations are not expected of any great
depth. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light dusting above 850m
ICING: Ice forming above 950m
COMMENT: Climbing conditions very lean.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  TUE 16/12/97.
The existing snowpack is sparse, but light snow and strong SE
winds have led to some deposits of windslab mainly on sheltered N
to W facing slopes and gullies. Where deposits over-lie any
existing snow ice above 900m the avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/97.
The wintry weather will continue with further windslab deposits
developing mainly on sheltered N and E facing slopes and gullies.
Where these deposits are greatest and over-lie existing snow ice
the avalanche hazard will remain Moderate (Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very sparse above 650m, with further
accumulations developing at all levels throughout Wednesday.

ICING: Ice beginning to form above 700m.

COMMENT: Difficult mountain conditions expected during Wednesday.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 16/12/97
The late start to the winter has left only a light and sparse
snow cover above 950m. Accumulations are greatest at the tops of
gullies but are still insufficient to cause any problems. Low
(Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 17/12/97
Light snowfalls on a very strong E to SE wind will cause deepest
accumulations to form on sheltered W to NW slopes. However due to
the lack of a base the avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light and sparse above 950m.

ICING: Dribbles of ice forming down Meagaidh's watercourses but
still a wee bit thin for climbing.

COMMENT:  Nice to be back.



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