NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/1/98
The snowpack is patchy but remains very stable in all locations.
There is a soft crust in many areas. Low (Category 1) hazard of
avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 30/1/98
There will be no change in snowpack stability over the forecast
period. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse and limited to locations above 900m.
ICING: Generally lean. Gullies in comparatively better condition but
a few are narrow or broken in the N.Corries. `The Lum' of Hell's Lum
Crag is broken in several places and has a very steep and
narrow last pitch.
COMMENT: Let's be positive. The weather may be grey and not very
cold, but at least you won`t be blown over by hurricane-force winds! 




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/1/98
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 FRI 30/1/98
There will be a slight thaw overnight followed by slightly colder
conditions. Light amounts of precipitation are expected overnight,
although accumulations are not expected to be significant. There
will be little change to the snow stability, which 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: Thin conditions prevailing, although ice continuing to form
during the present cold spell.
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 THU 29/1/98
Cold calm conditions have brought little change to the firm stable
snowpack. Greatest accumulations are to be found in North facing
corries and summit gullies above 700m. Avalanche hazard Low
(Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 30/1/98
Light rain above the summits overnight will moisten the surface of
the snowpack. Where shallow soft snow lies on steep ground such as
summit gullies and corrie headwalls the avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2)

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.

ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 500m.

COMMENT: Ice thawing at lower altitudes. Freeze thaw near summits.
Turf still firm but buttresses black. Axe and crampons essential for
firm snow and icy paths.






SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 29/1/98
The freeze thaw cycle is maintaining the sparse stable snowpack.
Most snow is on N and E aspects above 900m where the avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  FRI 30/1/98
The freeze thaw cycle will continue to maintain the sparse stable
snowpack. There is no snowfall expected during the period. The
avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy and icy, softening during the day. Most
snow is on N and E aspects and sheltered areas above 900m.

ICING: Generally lean but continuing to build.

COMMENT: Some footpaths remain icy.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  THU 29/1/98
Cold, calm and clear conditions overnight and today have made no
change to the snowpack. The snowpack remains generally well bonded
on all aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 30/1/98
A slow thaw will set in overnight. But with the freezing level
falling during tomorrow this will only lead to a further
consolidation of the snowpack. The snowpack will remain generally
well bonded on all aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still very patchy, but where it exists it is very
hard.

ICING: Will continue to build in the current thaw/ freeze cycles.

COMMENT: The climbing generally remains very thin and scary. Great
caution and perhaps patience should be used. Beware of falling ice
from parties above!!



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