CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  SAT 17/1/98
Very heavy snow overnight and today, but with only very light winds,
has deposited large amounts of dry powder snow on all aspects above
500m. This is on top of the already weak windslab. Gullies, slopes,
hollows and summit bowls are particularly hazardous. The avalanche
hazard is Very High (Category 5).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  SUN 18/1/98
Further heavy snow accompanied by variable winds will cause the
creation of yet more very unstable windslab. This very weak windslab
will be found on all aspects, even on only moderately steep terrain,
above 500m. Numerous natural avalanches will occur particularly in
gullies, hollows and summit bowls. The avalanche hazard will be Very
High (Category 5).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep unconsolidated snow above 200m.

ICING: Well buried if it exists!!

COMMENT: Extremely hazardous mountain conditions tomorrow (18/1/98).
Great caution needed if  venturing out.



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LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 17/1/98
Heavy snow accompanied by variable winds overnight and during
Saturday, have loaded many slopes with large areas of unstable snow.
This unstable loose snow exists on many sheltered slopes and gullies
above 600m. Avalanche activity noted on N and E aspects of Aonach
Mor. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 18/1/98
Continuing heavy snow accompanied by moderate winds are expected
overnight and during Sunday. Large areas of unstable snow will
continue to form, initially the hazard will be mainly on N through
to E facing slopes. As the day progresses NE to E winds will
redistribute the snow, forming unstable windslab on SW and W facing
slopes. Avalanches will occur in these locations. The avalanche
hazard will remain High (Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow expected at all levels during Sunday.
ICING: Freezing at all levels on Sunday.
COMMENT: Approaches to routes hard work and hazardous due to deep
fresh snow.



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 17/1/98
Cold temperaures and heavy snowfall on light generally E winds has
resulted in very poor stability high on slopes of most aspects.
Numerous small avalanches were triggered high on the rim of Coire an
t-Sneachda between the top of Mess of Pottage crag and the exit
slopes of `Forty Thieves'. The largest took out the whole of
`Jacob's Ladder' gully and ran out well below it. Steep W facing
open slopes show very poor stability, especially near the top. High
(Category 4) hazard of avalanche.
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 18/1/97
Continued heavy snowfall throughout the period will maintain the
High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche. SE to E, then strengthening
NE winds will load unstable windslab onto SW to N facing aspects
where avalanches will occur. The largest accumulations of very
weakly bonded slab will be on SW to W aspects towards the end of the
day, when avalanche activity may be frequent with large avalanches
possible.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep, powdery snow down to valley level.
ICING: Many routes plastered with fresh snow.
COMMENT: Safe travel techniques to the fore on Sunday. Take care.



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