NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 10/2/98
Recent thaw conditions have resulted in a much depleted and
generally moist but stable snowpack. Colder conditions overnight
have re-frozen surface layers at higher elevations above 1000m.
Avalanche hazard Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 11/2/98
A return to milder temperatures with heavy rain and hurricane force
SW winds on the summits will result in any remaining cornices
becoming heavy and prone to collapse. Moderate (Category 2) hazard
of avalanche on scarp slopes immediately below these cornice lines,
primarily above steep E to SE aspects.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Only patches remaining
ICING: Hanging in there! Many gullies becoming broken. Thaw likely
to depredate what little remains.
COMMENT: Not good!





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 10/2/98
Some accumulations of fresh snow exist at the tops of NE aspects
above 1100m. This new snow is moderately well bonded to the
underlying old snow. In these locations the avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack is stable.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 11/2/98
Heavy rain to above the summits is expected overnight and during
Wednesday. The snowpack will thaw and start to consolidate at all
levels. Stability will generally be good. The avalanche hazard will
be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain in N and E facing
corries above 1000m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining well above the summits.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions likely to deteriorate in the thaw.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 10/2/98
The snowpack is consolidating and stabilising. Remaining cornices
are unstable. Where soft wet slab is lying on steep corrie headwalls
and summit gullies the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 11/2/98
Mild conditions will bring heavy rain to well above the summits.
Cornices found above N to E facing slopes will be very unstable. The
snowpack will become saturated. In summit gullies and corrie
headwalls which contain soft wet slab the avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 800m.

ICING: Thawing ice above 900m.

COMMENT: Climbing conditions poor. Caution required on ridges in
strong winds.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 10/2/98
A slight freeze above 950m overnight followed by thaw conditions has
left the snowpack stable. Remaining cornices have firmed up but are
still overhanging and unstable. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 11/2/98
Very mild conditions with heavy rain and storm force winds will
leave the sparse snowpack very wet at all levels. Any remaining
cornices, mostly on N to E facing slopes will be prone to collapse
and may cause wet snow avalanches below them. The avalanche hazard
will be Moderate (Category 2).
                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: There is still a bit on N to E facing corries and
sheltered areas. Thawing at all levels.
ICING: Lean! Rock and ice fall are hazards during thaw.
COMMENT: How do you spell Armageddon...?





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  TUE 10/2/98
A mere trace of snow on the summit areas with a much lowered
freezing level has led to the general stabilisation of the snowpack.
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  WED 11/2/98
Heavy rain at all levels with the freezing level rising to well
above the summits will again saturate the snowpack. Most slopes will
remain generally well bonded, but very steep slopes may become only
moderately well bonded. Cornices where they exist may be prone to
sudden collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Becoming increasingly patchy.

ICING: Stabilised a bit today (10/2/98) but is expected to virtually
disappear in the next few days.

COMMENT: It now looks as if this thaw will last a considerable time.
Not good!!



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