NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 20/2/98
Mild, wet weather has further depleted the remnants of the snowpack.
The stability of most snow patches is good. Low (Category 1) hazard
of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 21/2/98
Rain turning to snow - possibly heavy during the day -  accompanied
by strong SW to W winds will combine to deposit new windslab on
steep NE to E aspects above 1050m. Stability will progressively
decline during the day as new slab develops. Where new slab build up
is greatest (and overlies old snow) there will be localised areas
where stability will be marginal. In these locations the avalanche
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) by the end of the day.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some improvement possible as rain turns to snow.
Overall, the cover will remain sparse.
ICING: Quality and quantity likely to be poor and small
respectively.
COMMENT: We extend a warm welcome to the (brief) return of winter's
cold embrace.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 20/2/98
The remaining snowpack is continuing to thaw and is generally well
bonded. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 21/2/98
Strong Westerly winds and heavy snow showers are expected overnight
and during Saturday. The existing wet snowpack will freeze at all
levels. New areas of unstable windslab will form, mostly at the tops
of E facing slopes and gullies above 900m. Avalanches are likely in
these locations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category
3).



                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow expected above 800m.
ICING: Freezing level lowering to 900m by Saturday.
COMMENT:Unstable snow forming on many scarp slopes during Saturday.
High winds continuing.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 20/2/98
Thaw conditions with heavy rain at all levels continue to reduce the
snowpack. Remaining deposits are generally stable and exist high in
North to East facing corries and in sheltered summit gullies. The
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 21/2/98
Colder conditions will bring snow showers to the area. Fresh snow
will accumulate on North to East facing slopes and sheltered summit
gullies particularly on top of existing old snow. The avalanche
hazard will be Moderate (Category 2)

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow above 700m

ICING: Ice will reform above 900m

COMMENT: Caution required on ridges in strong gusts.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 20/2/98
A wet and windy day with remaining snow wet but stable.
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 21/2/98
Snow showers in strong W to SW winds will leave fresh
accumulations mainly on N to E aspects. These new deposits will
raise the avalanche hazard to Moderate (Category 2).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Not much left.

ICING: None.

COMMENT: Freezing level will be around 900m.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  FRI 20/2/98
The heavy rain and mild conditions have continued. The remaining
snowpatches are moist but very stable. The avalanche hazard remains
Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  SAT 21/2/98
During tonight the freezing level will begin to fall. This will
bring frequent heavy snow showers with the snow lying above 900m.
With a strong W wind small areas of windslab will develop,
particularly on steep NNE to SSE facing slopes and gullies. Where
this lies on top of any patches of old snow it will only be
moderately bonded. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate
(Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Extremely patchy, but will superficially improve
tomorrow.

ICING: None.

COMMENT: A return to more wintry conditions, although it will
improve the appearance only and will unfortunately be brief.



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