NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 14/1/98
New snow overnight with freshening NW to W winds has resulted in
accumulations of  windblown snow developing on  SE to E facing
slopes. In steep gully tops above 950m these deposits have given
rise to a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche. Below this
altitude newest deposits show signs of rapid consolidation.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 15/1/98
Further falls of light then moderate snow overnight and on Thursday
with strong (mostly W) winds, will see the continuing development of
windblown deposits. This will maintain a Considerable (Category 3)
hazard of avalanche in steepest /sheltered NE to E gullies where
avalanches are likely.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light general dusting down to valley floor with
some drifting developing in sheltered locations.
ICING: Poor of late but colder temps helping to re-establish build-
up.
COMMENT: Slight overall improvement in winter conditions.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 14/1/98
Heavy snowfall and SSW winds throughout the day have formed
accumulations of loose snow, mainly on slopes with an Easterly
aspect, above 850m. Surface weaknesses are present in this fresh
snow. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 15/1/98
Snow and SW winds will continue overnight and on Thursday. This will
further load NE and E aspects with unstable snow. Avalanches are
likely on slopes and gullies with NE and E slope aspect. The
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Soft unstable
cornices will develop above Easterly aspects.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow falling to 700m.
ICING: Ice reforming as temperatures remain cold.
COMMENT: Freezing level at 700m on Thursday. Ice axes and crampons
essential.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 14/1/98
New snow is lying above 800m on slopes of all aspects. Windslab is
accumulating on slopes with a N to E aspect and in sheltered gullies
above 900m.The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2)  where
windslab has formed on steeper summit slopes and gullies.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 15/1/98
SW winds and new snow, heavy at times will form fresh unstable
accumulations above 800m in sheltered gullies and on slopes with
a N to E aspect. Avalanches are likely  where deeper
accumulations of windslab have formed on steeper slopes and in
areas such as summit gullies where old snow underlies. The
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 800m.

ICING: Highest tops only

COMMENT: Climbing conditions poor. Windslab will form in gullies and
sheltered slopes above 800m.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 14/1/98
New snow overnight has lead to an improved snow cover over 800m.
Accumulations remain unstable where they overlie older patches of
snow ice. These localised areas are in gullies and sheltered
areas above 950m on N to E aspects where the avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 15/1/98
There will be further accumulations of snow on N to E aspects
throughout the day. Deposits will be unstable on steeper areas of
gullies and sheltered areas above 900m where the avalanche hazard
will be Considerable (Category 3).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Much improved over 800m.

ICING: Still very lean.

COMMENT: Starting to look a bit more like Winter!





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 14/1/98
Fresh snowfalls on a W wind have caused isolated pockets of
windslab to form in sheltered gullies and hollows. Slopes of a NE
through to SE aspect above 900m are affected. Although these
pockets are currently avoidable, where they exist there is a
Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 15/1/98
Further snow overnight on W wind, will continue the build up of
windslab. Slopes of a NE through to SE aspect above 800m will be
affected, where accumulations will deepen and become more
widespread. Later in the day falls will become heavier on a SW
wind, also affecting N aspects. The avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3) and may increase towards the end of the
day.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow lying above 650m.
ICING: The fragile relics that survived the thaw will start to
improve with the return of colder condition
COMMENT: Snow cover is thin but improving.



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