NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 7/1/98 Some overnight snow showers on moderating SW winds have produced accumulations of less well stabilised windslab at the top of many N- facing gully tops. These near-surface instabilities give easy shears during stability tests. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in these areas. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 8/1/98 Some marginal consolidation of most recent windslab on N aspects is possible overnight. Avalanche conditions are expected to deteriorate later on Thurs. with the onset of more pronounced snow showers on strengthening SSE winds. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche where new slab build up is greatest in sheltered locations of steep N aspects above 1050m. Avalanches are likely in these places particularly towards the end of the day. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Plateau cover still reasonable but scoured in most exposed locations. ICING: Slow improvement continues on most routes. Gullies filling out but many overhung by new cornices. COMMENT: Wintry for the time being . LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 7/1/98 Areas of unstable windslab are present on slopes and gullies with a NE aspect above 800m. The unstable snow is weakly bonded to the underlying hard slab. Avalanche debris noted in Coire an Lochain of Aonach Mor. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 8/1/98 Overnight snowfall and SW winds will continue to form unstable windslab on slopes and gullies with a NE aspect. By mid morning a rapid thaw to above the summits will cause rain to fall at all levels. The existing windslab will thaw at all altitudes. Wet snow avalanches are likely as the day progresses, on N and NE aspects above 800m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations above 700m in N and E facing corries. ICING: Thawing at all levels on Thursday. COMMENT: Hazard of falling ice during the thaw. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 7/1/98 Light winds and cold overnight temperatures have consolidated the snowpack. Snow is lying above 500m with greatest deposits being above 800m in gullies and sheltered hollows. Localised windslab exists mainly on NW through to E facing slopes and in sheltered areas such as gullies above 850m. The general snow cover is stable but where localised windslab exists the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 8/1/98 Further snow deposits throughout Thursday with a SW airflow will form fresh unstable accumulations above 800m in sheltered gullies and hollows and on slopes with a NW to E aspect. Avalanches are likely where deeper accumulations of windslab have formed on steeper slopes and in areas such as summit gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). 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 WED 7/1/98. New accumulations of wind slab on N to E facing slopes and gullies above 800m. These deposits are showing signs of stabilisation below 900m. At the tops of steep slopes and scarp areas the snow is moderately to weakly bonded where a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanches exists. Cornices remain unstable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 8/1/98. Strong SW winds and moderate snow showers will lead to further wind slab build up mainly on N through to SE facing slopes and gullies above 800m. These deposits will be moderately to weakly bonded at the tops of 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 WED 7/1/98 Fluctuating temperatures and calmer conditions have consolidated the snowpack somewhat. Small accumulations of windslab are forming at the top of slopes with a N to E aspect above 900m. There is a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 8/1/98 Snowfalls tonight and tomorrow on a SW wind will cause deeper accumulations of windslab to form on slopes of a N to E aspect above 800m. Later in the day, milder temperatures will follow. Avalanches are likely in the above mentioned areas. There will be a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Above 600m. Icy on the tops. ICING: Poor and buried under lots of snow. COMMENT: Monster cornices in Coire a' Chriochairein and other NE facing slopes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------