NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/1/98
A return to colder weather overnight with only a trace of new snow
has resulted in a generally stable snowpack. Surface layers are re-
frozen whilst the underlying snowpack remains moist. Periods of more
persistent snow showers late in the period have given rise to a
small amount of fresh slab primarily on S to SW facing slopes.
Quantities however are small and do not present any significant
hazard. Avalanche hazard Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/1/98
Cold conditions will continue, with no further precipitation.
Fresh mostly ENE winds may transport quantities of most recent
snow and re-deposit on S to SW slope. Amounts will be small and
unlikely to alter the current conditions. Avalanche hazard Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse with icy patches. Light dusting of new
snow down to 600m.
ICING: The return of colder conditions should see a general overall
improvement to both buttress and  gully routes.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/1/98
A return to slightly cooler conditions during the day has stabilised
the existing snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/1/98
Cold, dry weather is expected overnight and during Saturday. This
will have little effect on the existing snow stability which will
remain generally good. The avalanche hazard will remain Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain in N and E facing
corries above 900m.
ICING: Existing snow will be frozen at all levels during Saturday.
COMMENT: Snow in many of the easier gullies will re-freeze and
provide good sport. Ice starting to reform above 500m.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/1/98
The snowpack is stabilising with the current colder and generally
drier conditions affecting the area. In locations where soft wet
snow remains on steeper slopes, mainly in sheltered gullies and
hollows with a NW to NE aspect the avalanche hazard is Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/1/98
Cold conditions with no precipitation and strong E.N.E. winds
overnight and on Saturday will further stabilise and refreeze much
of the remaining snowpack. The avalanche hazard will become Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.

ICING: Thawing ice on rocks above 900m, reforming with colder
conditions.

COMMENT: Conditions will improve with colder temperatures.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 23/1/98
Some snow and strong NE winds overnight and during the day have
led to small amounts of windslab mainly on SE to SW facing slopes
above 900m. Other sheltered gully areas may also be holding
deposits. These new deposits are generally wet and moderately
well bonded on some steep slopes. Elsewhere the snow is well
bonded. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 24/1/98
A return to colder conditions with no precipitation will harden
up the remaining snowpack, leaving it crusty in places. The
snowpack will be generally well bonded and stable. The avalanche
hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy snow cover, with most deposits
on N facing slopes and sheltered areas above 700m.
ICING: Still lean, improving with freeze .
COMMENT: Some wet snow remains on buttresses. Easy gully
lines complete.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  FRI 23/1/98
Light rain overnight followed by only a trace of snow above 950m has
stabilised the snowpack. Small pockets of only moderately bonded wet
slab still exist, primarily at the tops of gullies facing N to E.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  SAT 24/1/98
Cold, relatively clear weather will prevail overnight and
tomorrow. This will further stabilise the snowpack, which will
become generally well bonded on all aspects and altitudes. The
avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse and patchy. Mostly beneath any E facing
cliffs.

ICING: Unfortunately the thaw did strip the ice from virtually all
routes. Starting to build again though.

COMMENT: All easy gully lines virtually complete - the odd bit of
turf will have to be used. Ice on the Meagaidh classics not
continuous or thick enough to be climbed. 


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