NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/12/97
A sparse and generally stable snowpack prevails. Most recent
deposits exist as windblown accumulations and on these primarily E
to SE aspects, areas of less stable wind slab persist. Moderate
(Category 2) hazard of avalanche  where most recent accumulations
lie in these locations.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/12/97
Overnight light snow showers and light NW winds are unlikely to
alter the current conditions to any great extent. Pockets of
windslab will persist primarily on steep E to SE gully heads. This
will maintain a very localised avalanche hazard Moderate (Category
2) in these locations. Stability on most N aspects will remain good.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Reasonable general cover, for time of year, in
plateau areas. Some drifting in sheltered areas down to 700m.
ICING: Rime ice developing on buttresses. Gullies narrow and some
not fully complete but busy.
COMMENT: Cooler conditions should help retain what exists in the way
of winter sporting opportunities!





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/12/97
Large areas of deep unstable windslab exist mainly on Easterly
aspects above 1000m. Accumulations are greatest on scarp slopes and
at the tops of gullies. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).
In other sheltered locations, areas of consolidated soft windslab
are present. Avalanche activity observed on E aspects above 1100m on
Aonach Mor. Cornices above E aspects are also unstable and prone to
collapse.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/12/97
Light winds and cold conditions are expected overnight and during
Monday, which will lead to little consolidation of the existing
unstable snowpack. Deep accumulations of unstable windslab will
remain, mainly on Easterly aspects above 1000m, with greatest
accumulations on scarp slopes and at the tops of gullies. Avalanches
will occur in these locations. The avalanche hazard will be High
(Category 4). In other sheltered locations, areas of consolidated
soft windslab are present. Cornices above E aspects will also be
unstable and prone to collapse.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep unconsolidated snow exists above 800m, mainly
on N and E aspects.
ICING: Freezing level remaining around 600m.
COMMENT: Exit slopes on many climbing routes will be unstable.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/12/97
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 MON 29/12/97
Further light snow showers and moderate NW winds will affect the
area on Sunday night. Light deposits of new snow will form above
800m with deepest accumulations on  E-SE slopes 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 forming on rocks above 900m.

COMMENT: Climbing conditions lean. Buttresses starting to improve
with a covering of  powder snow.






SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 28/12/97
There are some small unstable wind blown accumulations mainly at
the tops of gullies on E aspects and sheltered areas above 950m.
Where these accumulations are greatest the avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/12/97
Older wind blown deposits will remain in sheltered areas above
950m on E aspects. The rest of the snowpack will be generally
well bonded. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                   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 SUN 28/1297
New falls of snow on a fresh W wind have caused localised areas of
unstable windslab to form. Sheltered, steep slopes and gullies of a
NE to SE aspect above 900m are affected. The avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 29/12/97
Cold, calmer conditions will not help the stabilisation process.
This means that there will be little change to the current
conditions with areas of unstable windslab persisting on steep,
sheltered slopes of  NE to SE aspects above 900m. Avalanches are
likely in these areas. A Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche will exist.


                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow lying above 600m. Insufficient depth on the
tops for ski touring.

ICING: Routes are still incomplete but not for much longer.

COMMENT: Fresh, unstable cornices are evident at the tops of the
corries.



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