NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 29/12/97
Colder conditions with no further snowfall have resulted in a sparse
and generally stable snowpack. Small pockets of windslab still
persist on mainly E to SE aspects although even in these locations
stability is fairly good. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 30/12/97
Moderate to high snow overnight and tomorrow with rain below 1100m
on strong S winds will see the development of wind blown snow at the
tops of many N facing slopes and gullies. With any significant
development over the period a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of
avalanche will result in these locations, where avalanches are
likely.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very good general cover in plateau areas, poor
below 800m.
ICING: Many buttresses still plastered with most recent deposits and
rime ice. Ice not yet in any great quantities. Many routes being
done in Northern Coires.
COMMENT: Poor mountain conditions expected for Tuesday with the
return of milder/windy weather





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 29/12/97
Areas of unstable windslab are present, with greatest accumulations
being on easterly aspects, notably on scarp slopes and the tops of
gullies above 1100m. Unconsolidated soft slab is also present above
900m in many corries. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category
3). Cornices are unstable and prone to collapse.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 30/12/97
Rain at all levels and strong southerly winds are expected overnight
and during Tuesday. The existing windslab will  thaw at all levels
producing wet snow avalanches on many aspects.  The avalanche hazard
will be High (Category 4).
As the day progresses, the snowpack will gradually consolidate and
stabilise.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The existing snowcover will thaw at all levels
during Tuesday, leaving a fairly patchy cover.
ICING: Freezing level rising above the summits overnight and during
Tuesday.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions deteriorating on Tuesday.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 29/12/97
Heavy showers have deposited snow on most aspects. On slopes
facing NW-E there are areas where deeper soft slab exists. Steep
summit gullies of N facing corries contain localised areas of
unstable soft slab.In these areas the avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 30/12/97
Milder conditions and heavy rain to the summits will make the
snowpack unstable.Where deeper snow lies on steep ground
avalanches will occur. In steep summit gullies of N facing
corries the avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4)

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.
ICING: Ice on rocks above 400m.
COMMENT: Buttresses will become stripped.After a time snow will
consolidate and stabilise.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 29/12/97.
The sparse snowpack has been scoured in most places leaving it icy.
However the cold temperatures have maintained some very localised
deposits of poorly bonded snow in sheltered gully areas above 950m.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) where accumulations
are greatest.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 30/12/97.
Strong S winds and moderate amounts of snow overnight will lead to
windslab build up mainly on N facing slopes and gullies above 950m.
During Tuesday, a return to mild conditions with rain, will saturate
the new snow leaving it weakly bonded to existing snow ice. The
avalanche hazard will become Considerable (Category 3) where
accumulations are greatest.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The snowpack remains sparse, but some limited
ski touring is possible above 950m.
ICING: Lean ice conditions in most areas, with buttresses rimed up
and turf mostly frozen.
COMMENT: Thaw conditions expected at all levels on Tuesday.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 29/12/97
Cold,calm and clear conditions have led to little change in the
snowpack. Large areas of weakly bonded windslab still exist,
primarily on NW to SSE facing slopes above 950m. Where this
windslab exists the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category
3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 30/12/97
Heavy snow on a strong Southerly wind overnight and tomorrow will
lead to further accumulations of weakly bonded windslab. This
will primarily be on slopes with a NW to NE aspect, above
1000m, where avalanches are likely. At lower altitudes some
consolidation will occur. The avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow level is 600m, but will rise tomorrow. Good
cover on the plateau.

ICING: Still very thin but should start to improve now.

COMMENT: An excellent day on the hill for all those who graced us
with their presence.



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