NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 28/1/98
The snowpack is patchy but very stable in most locations. Light
overnight snow showers on moderate NW winds have created a few
localised pockets of new thin windslab on a few steep E to SE
aspects above 1000m. Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche where
new slab is deepest in these areas.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 29/1/98
Dry, cold conditions through the period will bring no change to the
generally stable snowpack. The most recent slab on E to SE aspects
will show some consolidation.
Low (Category1) hazard of avalanche.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remains sparse. Remaining snow patches crusty or
hard and icy.
ICING: Generally lean with much exposed rock. Ice in cracks is
variable. Many harder routes somewhat above grade. Easy gullies'
snow/ice is good, but some are narrow and/or broken in N.Corries
COMMENT: N.Corries remain busy.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 28/1/98
A slight dusting of new snow overnight has had no effect on the
snowpack which remains stable. The avalanche hazard remains Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 29/1/98
Some further light snow is expected overnight although accumulations
are not expected to be significant. Snow stability will remain 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: Freezing level remaining around 500m.
COMMENT: Snow remains hard frozen. Ice-axe and crampons essential
for all hill users. Water ice is present on many paths.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 28/1/98
A smattering of new snow exists above 700m but generally
slightly milder but cold, dry conditions are still affecting the
area and is maintaining a stable snowpack. Water ice is still
present in many locations. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category
1) .

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 29/1/98
Cold and calm conditions with no precipitation will prevail through
the period. This will maintain a stable  and consolidated snowpack.
The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.

ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 400m.

COMMENT: The continuing colder temperatures have improved the thin
conditions. Icy crust on much of the snow cover, ice axe and
crampons are essential.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 28/1/98
Colder temperatures and very little new snow continue to maintain
the sparse snowpack in an icy condition. Most snow is to be found on
N aspects above 900m where the avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 29/1/98
Continuing cold with no new accumulations expected. The sparse
snowpack will remain icy. The avalanche hazard  will be Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy and icy with most snow on N aspects and
sheltered areas above 900m.

ICING: Continuing to build.

COMMENT: Footpaths have become very icy.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 28/1/98
Only a very light flurry of snow today with virtually no wind has
led to little change in the snowpack. All slopes and gullies are
generally stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 29/1/98
There will be no new snow tomorrow with only a very light W wind.
The snowpack will remain generally well bonded. The avalanche hazard
will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still very patchy, mostly in Coire Ardair.

ICING: Getting thicker but remains generally thin and chandeliered.

COMMENT: Several of the classic grade IV and V routes have now been
climbed. They are however generally very thin, longer and harder
than usual.



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