NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/98
A small amount of fresh snow has combined with other recent
deposits and has been re-deposited and is continuing to develop
isloated pockets of unstable windslab. Some small triggered
releases noted in steep sheltered E aspects of Coire an
t-Sneachda. A localised Considerable (Category 3) avalanche
hazard exists.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/98
Light to moderate fresh snowfall overnight and on Friday with
strong NW winds will continue to see the development of  areas of
windslab. Isolated pockets of new windblown deposits, are
expected to develop primarily on E to SE aspects. In these
steepest sheltered locations stability of these new deposits will
be poor and where any significant accumulations develop
avalanches are likely. Avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3)

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light general dusting down to the valley floor
with some drifting.
ICING: Generally poor, only small localised build ups.
COMMENT: Winter conditions slowly improving with the return of
colder weather.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/98
Areas of unstable soft windslab are present, main accumulations
being on N through to E aspects above 800m. In these locations the
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/98
Snow showers and strong NW winds are expected overnight and during
Friday. Areas of unstable soft windslab will remain, with greatest
accumulations on NE and E facing slopes and gullies. Avalanches are
likely in these locations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow lying above 650m.
ICING: Freezing level lowering to around 600m on Friday.
COMMENT:





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/98
New snow is lying above 500m on slopes of all aspects. Strong SW
winds are forming unstable accumulations of deep windslab on slopes
with a N to E aspect and in all sheltered gullies above 800m. The
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3)  where windslab has
formed on steeper summit slopes and gullies.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/98
Strengthening NW winds and light/moderate new snow, will form fresh
unstable accumulations of windslab above 800m in all sheltered
gullies and on slopes with a N through to SE aspect. Avalanches are
likely where deeper accumulations of windslab have formed on steeper
slopes and in areas such as sheltered gullies. The avalanche hazard
will be Considerable (Category 3). Cornices mainly above N to SE
slopes and gullies will be unstable.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500m.

ICING: Highest tops only

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





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/98
SW winds and snow showers have led to new accumulations on N to E
aspects above 900m. Where they overlie snow ice on steeper slopes in
gullies and sheltered areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  FRI 16/1/98
There will be further accumulations on NE to E aspects above 800m.
In gullies and sheltered areas the snowpack will be moderately to
weakly bonded where deposits overlie old snow. Cornices, where
formed, will be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Improving but remaining soft at all levels.

ICING: Still very lean.

COMMENT: A freeze thaw cycle is needed to improve the climbing.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 15/1/98
Fresh snowfalls on strong SW winds have caused deep accumulations of
unstable windslab to form. Steep, sheltered slopes and gullies of a
N through to SE aspect above 800m are affected. The avalanche hazard
is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 16/1/98
Further snowfalls on NW winds will continue the build up of unstable
windslab on sheltered slopes and gullies. Slopes of a N through to
SW aspect above 800m will be affected. Avalanches will occur on
these aspects. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow lying down to 400m. 40cm of new snow at
1000m.

ICING: Still rubbish, but surely improving?

COMMENT: Areas of windslab easily triggered by observers today
(15/1/98).



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------