NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/12/97
More pronounced snow showers late in the day on S winds brought
about the development of  somewhat more significant accumulations
of new slab on steep N aspects. The avalanche hazard in these
locations is Moderate (Category 2). Slopes of other aspects have
been scoured and reveal crusty snow/ice.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/12/97
Overnight snow and rain on strong SE to NW winds will give way to
lighter snow showers on lighter NW then SW winds.  Most new snow
deposits on Xmas day are expected on SE then NE aspects where
there will be a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche.

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A little better than of late but a mixture of
snow and rain in prospect.
ICING: Some rime ice and frozen turf noted in some locations in the
N.Corries above 1000m.
COMMENT: Merry Xmas - pity all your Christmases can't be white!





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/12/97
Colder temperatures during today have had little effect on the
existing patchy snowpack. A fresh dusting of snow this afternoon
has produced no new significant accumulations. The avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/12/97
Fresh snow this evening will be followed by rain at all levels
overnight. Any new snow accumulations will have thawed by
Thursday morning, leaving a stable snowpack at all levels. A
fresh dusting of snow is expected during Thursday but
accumulations are not expected to be significant. The avalanche
hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain above 1000m.
ICING: Freezing level rising above the summits overnight and
lowering to 900m during Thursday.
COMMENT: Happy Christmas!





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/12/97
Cooler temperatures during Tuesday night and early Wednesday
morning have resulted in a fresh light dusting of snow above
930m. This amount is not significant and the general snow cover
is still thin. Patches of older snow remain in gullies above 900m
in N facing corries.The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/12/97
Rain and strong NW winds becoming SW will affect the area. Light
accumulations of snow can be expected on the highest tops and in
N facing sheltered gullies above 900m. Accumulations are not
expected to be great enough to increase the avalanche hazard
which will remain Low (Category 1) where snow exists in gullies
above 900m.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow above 930m.

ICING: Ice starting to reform  above 940m.

COMMENT: Climbing conditions lean. Most gully  routes are not
complete due to lack of snow. Buttresses starting to improve with a
light covering of snow.
' MERRY CHRISTMAS.'Sorry it's not whiter.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/12/97.
There have been some new deposits of light snow mainly at the tops
of N to NW facing slopes and gully areas above 950m. The snowpack
generally remains sparse and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/12/97.
After some overnight snow and rain, mild conditions are expected to
continue with rain at all levels although areas over 950m may have
some fresh accumulations in sheltered areas and gullies on N
aspects. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The snowpack remains sparse with sheltered areas
above 950m some light cover.

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

COMMENT: Merry Christmas!!



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 24/12/97
Light snow drifting on a very strong SSW wind has deposited some
isolated patches of moderately bonded windslab on NW to E facing
slopes above 950m. The greatest hazard is where this windslab is
lying on old hard snow patches. The avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 25/12/97
Further snow overnight and tomorrow, together with very strong and
variable winds, will cause further patches of windslab to form on
most aspects above 950m. The greatest hazard will be where this
windslab is lying on old hard snow patches. The avalanche hazard
will be Moderate (Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light cover above 800m, but main cover above
950m.

ICING: Starting to build all over again.

COMMENT: The new snow, though light , is a very welcome sight. Thank
you Santa!!



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