NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 27/12/97
Fresh W winds have deposited windblown snow on to E and some SE
aspects. A Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche prevails where
most recent accumulations lie in these locations. Many W and N-
facing aspects have been scoured back to crusty snow/ice.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 28/12/97
Further accumulations of windblown snow are likely to develop on
steep E to SE overnight and during Sun. The avalanche hazard in
these places will remain Moderate (Category 2) especially where most
recent build up is greatest. Stability on most N aspects will remain
good.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Improved general cover in plateau areas. Some
drifting in sheltered areas down to 700m.
ICING: Noticeable improvement in N.Corries with rime ice developing
on buttresses. Gullies narrow and some not fully complete but busy.
`Mirror Direct' in Coire an t'Sneachda just about in condition and
climbed by a pair today.
COMMENT: Some skiing available in the ski area.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 27/12/97
Heavy snow showers overnight accompanied by a strong West to North-
West wind have resulted in significant accumulations of unstable,
soft windslab. These accumulations are most significant above 900m
at the tops of  E to S facing slopes, but exist in most sheltered
gullies and hollows.  The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category
3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 28/12/97
Continuing snow showers overnight and tomorrow morning, along with a
strong West to North-West wind will further load slopes of an E to S
aspect above 900m. In these, and other areas sheltered from the
strong winds, the build up of unstable, soft windslab means that
avalanches are likely in these locations.  The avalanche hazard will
be Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Snow continuing to build up above 600m.
ICING: Freezing level falling to 800m on Sunday.
COMMENT: Difficult going in deep snow in places.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 27/12/97
New snow is lying above 700m with the greatest accumulations being
above 900m on slopes with an Easterly aspect and in sheltered summit
gullies. The general snow cover is increasing on slopes of all
aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) in the
localised areas where deeper accumulations have formed.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 28/12/97
Further scattered snow showers and strong Westerly winds will affect
the area on Saturday night and Sunday. Light accumulations of new
snow will form above 800m on  slopes of an East through to
South-Easterly aspect with larger deposits on the higher tops and in
sheltered gullies above 900m. Accumulations are not expected to be
great enough to increase the avalanche hazard which will remain
Moderate (Category 2) where deep accumulations have formed.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.

ICING: Ice starting to reform  above 900m.

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.






SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 27/12/97
Overnight snow and strong winds have led to some new
accumulations on mainly S aspects above 900m. Accumulations are
greatest at the tops of gullies and sheltered areas where the
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 28/12/97
Recent deposits are expected to become generally stable although
there will be some fresh areas of wind blown snow mainly on
sheltered areas of S to E aspects above 950m. The avalanche
hazard will remain Moderate (Category 2).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover is improving but still
remains thin.

ICING: Generally very lean.

COMMENT: Little change expected.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 27/12/97
New snow falling on a strong SW wind is loading unstable windslab
onto sheltered slopes and gullies of a N to E aspect above 900m.
Fresh avalanche debris observed to the left of Bellevue Buttress.
Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 28/12/97
Further snow showers on Westerly winds will continue to load the
already unstable windslab accumulations. Sheltered slopes and
gullies of a NE to SE aspect above 900m will be affected and
avalanches are likely in these areas. Considerable (Category 3)
hazard of avalanche.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow lies above 650m with deeper accumulations on
the tops.

ICING: Routes still thin and incomplete, but improving slowly.

COMMENT: New, unstable cornices forming along the top of the Coire
Ardair cliffs.



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