NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 30/1/98
A very small dusting of fresh snow overnight has not altered the
current conditions. Avalanche hazard Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 31/1/98
Very light snow showers overnight and continuing cold conditions
will bring little change to the pre-existing good stability in most
locations. Some localised pockets of fresh wind blown deposits may
develop late in the period increasing the avalanche hazard to
Moderate (Category 2) on  steep N to NE aspects and gully tops.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very sparse, crusty in places.
ICING: Variable, most routes still in lean condition.
COMMENT: Loose rocks present on various popular routes due to sparse
snow conditions





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 30/1/98
The continuing settled weather has had no significant effect on the
existing snowpack which remains stable. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 31/1/98
Some light snow showers are expected overnight and during Saturday,
although accumulations are not expected to be significant. Snow
stability will remain good at all levels. 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 at around 300m overnight and during
Saturday.
COMMENT: Thin climbing conditions prevail, although there are still
some ice climbs complete.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 30/1/98
The settled conditions have maintained a generally firm and stable
snowpack. There is a light dusting of fresh snow above 850m. There
are isolated pockets of shallow soft slab in sheltered areas such as
N facing summit gullies. In these localised areas the avalanche
hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 31/1/98
Conditions will remain cold with further very light snow showers.
Generally the snowpack will be firm and stable. Localised pockets of
shallow soft slab will accumulate in sheltered summit gullies facing
NW to NE above 900m. 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 reforming above 500m overnight.Turf still firm but
buttresses black.Axe and crampons essential for firm snow and icy
paths.















SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 30/1/98
Present climatic conditions have continued to maintain the sparse
and stable snowpack. Most snow is on N to E aspects above 900m where
the avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 31/1/98
There will be some very light snow showers overnight and during the
day on N to E aspects. These showers will not alter the current
avalanche hazard which will remain Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy and icy, softening during the day. Most
snow is on N to 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 FRI 30/1/98
Mild conditions overnight and today have softened the surface of the
snowpack in many areas, but had little affect on the overall
stability of the snowpack, which remains well bonded on all aspects.
Occasional snow flurries have also been too light to increase the
avalanche hazard, which is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 31/1/98
Colder temperatures overnight and tomorrow will further consolidate
the snowpack. Snow flurries are expected but these will be too light
to increase the hazard of avalanche. The snowpack will remain
generally well bonded and stable on all aspects and the avalanche
hazard will be Low Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very patchy cover above 700m.

ICING: Building slowly but still very thin.

COMMENT: Most easy gully lines are virtually complete.



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