NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/2/98
What remains of the snowpack on N aspects is thawing and stable.
Full-depth avalanche potential remains on E to SE aspects during the
sustained thaw, however the overall avalanche hazard remains Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/2/98
Patchy drizzle and very mild temperatures will again bring little
change to general snowpack stability. Full-depth avalanche potential
will, however, remain on steep E to SE aspects. The overall
avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Virtually non-existent on N. aspects.
ICING: Virtually non-existent in N.Cairngorms
COMMENT: The `Gorms have a convincing summery look just now. Time
for the chalk bag?





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/2/98
The remaining snowpack is continuing to thaw and is generally well
bonded. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/2/98
Mild conditions will prevail through out Thursday. The snowpack will
remain generally stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category
1).


                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain in N and E facing
corries above 1000m.
ICING: Temperature of +4xc expected on the summits on Thursday.
COMMENT: Snow remaining in the main gullies on Ben Nevis.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/2/98
The thaw conditions at all levels continue to reduce and stabilise
the snowpack.Deposits remain high in North to East facing corries
and in sheltered summit gullies. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/2/98
Conditions will remain mild with light drizzle above the summits.
The snowpack will be stable and slightly firmer. The avalanche
hazard will be Low (Category 1)

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 850m

ICING: There is no ice!

COMMENT: Winter climbing conditions poor.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/2/98
Persisting mild conditions are continuing to thaw the sparse
snowpack, leaving it wet and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/2/98
Continuing mild conditions with some rain will leave the
depleting snowpack wet at all levels. The avalanche hazard will
be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: The depleting snowpack is thawing at all levels.
Little snow remains.

ICING: None.

COMMENT: Good hill walking conditions!





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/2/98
The continuing mild conditions have left what little remains of the
snowpack damp, well bonded and generally stable. The avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/2/98
The freezing level is forecast to stay well above the summits
tonight and tomorrow. The snowpack will remain generally well bonded
and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Not a lot left. The main patches are at the top
of the highest N to E facing slopes and gullies, and below the Inner
Coire cliffs.

ICING: Still virtually non-existent.

COMMENT: The few remaining cornices are unstable.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------