NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 5/1/98
Overnight snowfall on moderate W to NW winds resulted in the rapid
development of unstable windslab on many steep ENE through to SE
aspects.  Avalanche debris was noted below the Fiacaill of Coire Cas
(N. Corries), Cnap Coire na Spreidhe (above Strath Nethy)  and the
Feith Buidhe (above Loch Avon).  All were natural events that
occurred in the early morning. Some marginal consolidation was noted
in these and similar locations later in the day.  Considerable
(Category 3) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 6/1/98
Some further marginal consolidation of the snowpack on ENE to SE
aspects is possible overnight.  Snow showers on strengthening W then
SW winds later in the day will bring about additional new slab
development on NE to E aspects where avalanches are likely.
Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche where new snow build
up is greatest in those areas.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh cover down to valley level. Some drifting
and nice powder on shaded N aspects.
ICING: General improvement noted in all popular climbing venues.
Soft new snow on many routes.
COMMENT: Good plateau cover, super ski-touring Monday.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 5/1/98
Localised areas of fresh unstable windslab are present at the tops
of slopes and gullies with an Easterly aspect. This fresh slab is
weakly bonded. Where this unstable slab exists the avalanche hazard
is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 6/1/98
There will be little change in the snowpack overnight. Localised
areas of unstable wind slab will be present at the tops of  Easterly
aspects. As Tuesday progresses fresh snowfall with moderate winds
will form unstable windslab. Avalanches are likely on N through to E
aspects above 800m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow above 600m.
ICING: Freezing level rising to 800m on Tuesday.
COMMENT: Ice starting to build up on routes.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 5/1/98
New snow is lying above 500m on slopes of all aspects. Greatest
accumulations of new snow are above 800m in gullies and sheltered
hollows with a N through to SE aspect. Windslab exists in sheltered
areas on N through to SE facing slopes above 850m. Where deeper
windslab exists in these locations the avalanche hazard  is
Considerable (Category 3). Unstable cornices have formed above many
N to E facing slopes and gullies.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 6/1/98
Strengthening Westerly winds with light snow showers will form fresh
areas of windslab above 800m in sheltered gullies and hollows and
slopes with a N through to SE aspect. Avalanches are likely where
deeper accumulations of windslab form on steeper slopes in areas
such as summit gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3) Unstable cornices will continue to form above N through
to SE slopes

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

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






SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 5/1/98
Overnight snow showers with light winds have resulted in new
deposits of snow above 500m on most aspects. These new deposits
are moderately to weakly bonded to the existing snowpack,
especially at the tops of steep slopes and scarps. Small loose
snow avalanches noted on sun affected slopes. The avalanche
hazard is Considerable (Category 3) where new accumulations are
greatest.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 6/1/98
Light snow showers and strong SW winds will lead to rapid wind
slab build up, especially as new snow is transported onto N to E
facing slopes and gullies above 800m. These deposits will be
moderately to weakly bonded on steep slopes where avalanches are
likely. Cornices will also be unstable. The avalanche hazard will
remain Considerable (Category 3).

 CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow at all levels has enhanced the skiing
greatly, but made walking laborious.

ICING: Lean ice conditions now buried under soft snow.

COMMENT: A good freeze thaw cycle would improve climbing
conditions.










CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  MON 5/1/98
Very light powder snow overnight on light W winds has deposited
small amounts of soft windslab on N to SE facing slopes and gullies.
The greatest risk lies in these areas.  The underlying snowpack has
consolidated somewhat.  The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 6/1/98
No new snow overnight but increasing SW winds will further
consolidate the existing snowpack.  Later tomorrow more snow will
arrive leading to build up of windslab on N to E facing slopes.
Where these accumulations are deepest the greatest hazard exists.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).


                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep above 600m.  Icy in places.
ICING: There is some ice around but it is well buried at present.
COMMENT: Another excellent day on Meagaidh.  Best to go out early.



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