NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/97
Some small accumulations of wind blown new snow exist primarily on
steepest N facing gully tops. Although rapid consolidation of these
deposits is taking place, in steepest locations where any
significant development exists the avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/97
Snow/rain overnight continuing with strong SW winds on Wed may see
the development of some snow deposits on the highest, steep gully
tops. Where this new snow build up is greatest, in  primarily N
aspects, a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche will prevail.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A dusting of new snow on plateau areas. Very
sparse cover, re-frozen and icy.
ICING: Some build up. Very limited conditions.
COMMENT: All conditions at present very much the preserve of the
winter enthusiast!





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/97
Mild and generally dry conditions have had little effect on the
snowpack which remains stable. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/97
Rain at all levels is expected overnight followed by dryer
weather during Wednesday. The snowpack will continue to
consolidate and remain stable at all levels. The avalanche hazard
will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover exists above 1000m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining above the summits overnight and
lowering to 1200m during Wednesday.
COMMENT: Limited build-up of old snow in main gullies.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/97
The light dusting of snow has receded further in the continuing mild
conditions leaving sparse snow cover. Patches of older snow remain
in gullies above 900m in N facing corries. The avalanche hazard
is Low (Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/97
Mild and unsettled conditions  will continue to affect the area
maintaining a thin and sparse snowpack, which will only recede
further. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1) where
snow exists in gullies above 900m in N facing corries.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very patchy snow in sheltered gullies above 900m.

ICING: Thawing  snowice above 900m.

COMMENT: Climbing conditions lean. Most  routes are not complete due
to lack of snow and high temperatures.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/97
The sparse snowpack remains generally stable. However some light
new snow deposits exist mainly at the tops of N to NW facing
slopes and gully areas above 950m. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/97
Moderate amounts of rain overnight will maintain the moist but
stable sparse snowpack in most areas. However, there is a
possibility of some new snow deposits during Wednesday, at the
very tops of N to E facing slopes and gullies. The avalanche
hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very little snow exists. Greatest accumulations
are in sheltered areas of N and NW facing slopes above 900m.

ICING: Very lean ice conditions showing some improvement in
Lochnagar.

COMMENT: Freezing level mostly above the tops.
























CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 23/12/97
Continuing mild conditions and rain at all levels have left only
small, isolated patches of snow on the hill above 950m. These small
areas are very stable. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 24/12/97
Rain at all levels tonight and tomorrow will continue the very mild
and virtually snowless conditions. Any areas of remaining snow will
be very stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Isolated patches only above 950m.

ICING: Some very thin ice remains in the back of recesses on the
cliff's watercourses. Routes are still incomplete and diminishing
every day.

COMMENT: All I want for Christmas is a dump of snow!!



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