CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 04/01/98
Heavy snow overnight on very strong SW winds has deposited huge
amounts of unstable, weakly bonded windslab particularly on N to SE
facing slopes above 850m. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).
Medium to huge avalanches have occurred overnight with large amounts
of debris under the Posts, Raeburn's, South Pipe, Coire a'
Chriochairein and Coire na Gael.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 05/01/98
Light snow showers with light variable winds will add further small
amounts of windslab to the already weak snowpack. Slopes, sheltered
hollows and gullies facing N to SE, above 850m will be particularly
affected. Avalanches will occur in these areas. At lower altitudes
some consolidation will occur. The avalanche hazard will be High
(Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep snow above 600m.

ICING: Probably building but completely buried at the moment.

COMMENT: Good ski touring and walking tomorrow. Leave the climbing
for another day.



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 04/01/98
Strong winds overnight easing throughout the day have led to the
existence of windslab on slopes of a mostly E aspect. Whilst deep
accumulations have resulted most deposits show fair/good stability.
In steepest slopes with greatest loading the avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 05/01/98
Light snow showers overnight and on Mon on fairly light W and NW
winds will see some further build up of windblown snow. In steepest
gully tops on mostly E to SE aspects only marginal stability of
these newest deposits is expected. Avalanche hazard Considerable
(Category 3) in these locations.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General cover down to 700m although still very
thin.
ICING: Improving all the time
COMMENT: Overall much improved both for skiing and climbing.



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GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 04/1/98
Recent stormy conditions have deposited new snow above 600m.
Greatest accumulations of new snow are above 800m in gullies and
sheltered hollows with a northerly aspect. Windslab exists in
sheltered areas on NW through to E facing slopes above 850m. Where
windslab exists in these locations the avalanche hazard for today is
High (Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 05/1/98
Strong Westerly winds overnight moderating with light snow showers
will not significantly increase existing accumulations of windslab.
Where deeper accumulations of windslab exist above 800m in sheltered
areas such as summit gullies and slopes with a N through to SE
aspect the snowpack will remain weakly bonded. The avalanche hazard
will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely to occur
on steeper slopes in these areas

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m.
ICING: Ice forming on rocks above 700m.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions on ridges and buttresses improving
Windslab will require caution




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LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 4/1/98
Large areas of fresh hard slab exist mainly on easterly aspects
above 650m. This fresh snow is moderately well bonded, although
shallow surface instabilities are present. The avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 5/1/98
Little change is expected within the snowpack as cold and settled
weather continues during Monday. Surface instabilities will remain
on top of large areas of hard slab, mainly on easterly aspects above
650m. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow above 600m with greatest accumulations
in N and E facing corries.
ICING: Freezing level at 400m on Monday.
COMMENT:



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SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 04/01/98
Further accumulations of wind blown snow have developed
in gullies and sheltered areas on N to E aspects above
800m. Debris was noted at the bottom of several
Lochnagar gullies. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 05/01/98
The snowpack will become moderately well bonded although
areas of poorly bonded snow will exist on N to E aspects
above 800m where the avalanche hazard will remain
Considerable (Category 3). Cornices will remain
unstable.

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Reasonable cover above 900m.

ICING: Still very lean.

COMMENT: At Lochnagar some easier routes being climbed.
Buttresses covered with unconsolidated snow.


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