NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/2/98
Milder temperatures but with summits staying around freezinghave
resulted in some consolidation of the snowpack. Instabilities
persist within and at the base of most recent windblown deposits
where stability tests produced very clean shear failures.
Steepest, sheltered E to SE aspects which have pillows of recent
windblown deposits must remain suspect. Considerable (Category
3). Elsewhere stability is good.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/2/98
A period of instability of  older windslab deposits is expected
overnight and early morning with the influence of any rain. Where
new accumulations of windblown snow develop throughout the day on
steep NE to E aspects, new snow avalanches are likely. Avalanche
hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3) localised,
throughout the period.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remains sparse.
ICING: Fluctuating temps helping to develop build-up.
COMMENT: Strong winds continuing on summits.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/2/98
Large areas of fresh snow exist above 1100m. Below 1250m, this snow
is thawing. Main accumulations exist on Easterly aspects, notably in
gullies and other sheltered locations, where instabilities are
present. In these locations the avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3). Cornice collapse observed above E aspects on Aonach
Mor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/2/98
A thaw is expected at all levels overnight and during Friday. A
moist and unstable snowpack will be present at all levels. Wet snow
avalanches are likely in NE, E and SE facing gullies above 1100m.
Cornice collapse is also likely in these locations. The avalanche
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow at all levels with greatest
accumulations in E facing corries above 1000m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining above the summits.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions deteriorating as the thaw continues.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/2/98
Mild conditions affecting the area have softened and moistened the
snowpack. There are deep accumulations of unstable wet slab in
sheltered areas such as summit gullies and on slopes of a NE to SE
aspect above 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3)
where deeper accumulations exist.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/2/98
Mild and wet conditions overnight will maintain the snowpack in a
similar condition. Areas of wet slab will remain in sheltered areas
and on slopes with a NE to SE aspect above 900m. In these areas the
avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3). Cornices
above NE to SE slopes will be prone to collapse.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 800m.

ICING: Thawing ice on rocks and paths above 850m.

COMMENT:Poor climbing conditions. Mild wet and windy.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/2/98.
A steady thaw throughout the period has begun to stabilise the
snowpack, although the areas of moderately to weakly bonded snow on
steep sheltered N gullies and E aspects above 850m are still  of
concern, especially where exposed to potential high loading from
unstable cornices. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category
3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/2/98.
The thaw will continue with moderate amounts of rain falling
overnight. The areas of moderately to weakly bonded snow on steep
sheltered N gullies and E aspects will be most unstable during this
time. Cornices will also be prone to collapse and wet slab
avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3). During Friday slightly colder conditons will return.
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy, with most deposits in N to E facing
corries and sheltered areas above 900m.
ICING: Generally lean, and subject to thaw at all levels.
COMMENT: Overnight rain expected to strip remaining snow on
buttresses.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/2/98
Milder conditions and rain overnight and today have led to deposits
of unstable wet slab on steep slopes and in gullies facing NW
through to SSE above 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3) in these areas. Avalanche debris noted on slopes with
aspects from NW through to SSE, including the bottom of  Raeburn's
and Easy Gully, Cinderella and Glass Slipper.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/2/98
Rain and mild temperatures overnight will be followed by cooler
conditions during tomorrow morning. The risk of wet slab
avalanches will remain on steep slopes and gullies with aspects
from NW through to SSE above 900m. In addition snow  during
Friday on strong SW to W winds will begin to deposit fresh
unstable windslab on slopes facing N through to SE above 900m.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) and
avalanches are likely in the above areas.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy above 800m.
ICING: Slight melt-down today with freezing level above the summit.
COMMENT: Unstable cornices present above some steep N to E facing
slopes.



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