NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/2/98
Colder conditions but with only the slightest trace of new snow have
not altered the current snow conditions. Patches of old re-frozen
stable snow only at highest elevations on coire headwalls. Low
(Category 1) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/2/98
Moderate then more persistent snow overnight and on Friday with very
strong W then NW winds will see the development of pockets of
windblown snow. Where these accumulate in steep sheltered E to SE
aspects and gully heads a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche
will result.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patches only with a very light trace on summits.
ICING: Freezing conditions but no ice build up.
COMMENT: Forecast of strong winds and blizzards  making for
difficult mountain conditions on Friday.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/2/98
A dusting of snow is present above 600m. This fresh snow is drifting
in sheltered locations, mainly on N, NE, and E facing slopes, no
significant accumulations exist. The remaining old snow cover is
sparse and restricted to the main gullies of Ben Nevis and NE facing
corries above 1000m. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).


AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/2/98
Strong NW winds and fresh snow are expected overnight and during
Friday. Fresh areas of unstable windslab will develop during Friday.
Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of NE, E and SE facing
slopes and gullies above 900m. The avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3) in these locations.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Dusting of fresh snow above 600m. Remaining old
snow above 1000m on N and NE facing slopes and gullies.
ICING: Freezing level lowering to 200m on Friday.
COMMENT: Cold conditions forecast for the next several days.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/2/98
New snow is lying above 600m with the greatest accumulations being
on NE aspects above 900m. The strong SW winds are forming localised
areas of shallow windslab in sheltered areas such as summit gullies.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) in the localised areas
where windslab has formed on old snow.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/2/98
High amounts of new snow and a very strong W to NW airflow overnight
and on Friday will form deep accumulations of unstable windslab in
sheltered gullies and on slopes with a NE to SE aspect above 800m.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) where deeper
accumulations of weakly bonded windslab form. Avalanches are likely
in these areas.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow above 600m.

ICING: Ice will start to reform with colder conditions

COMMENT: Heavy snow and wind will create blizzard conditions on
tops.




SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/2/98
The little remaining snow is freezing above 800m, and is very
stable. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/2/98
Wintry conditions will exist with very strong NW winds and
moderate snow showers at most levels during the period. Most snow
will fall on heather and rock on E to S aspects and will be
generally stable. Where any new snow develops on patches of old
snow, (mainly on E aspects above 950m), the avalanche hazard will
be Moderate (Category 2).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some snow expected to accumulate at most levels,
generally giving a cosmetic appearance of winter only. But should
improve!

ICING: No ice, but turf  will begin to firm up.

COMMENT: How do you spell optimism?





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 26/2/98
Light snowfalls on a strong WSW wind have caused shallow deposits of
moderately well bonded windslab to form on N through to SE facing
slopes above 900m.  These deposits are confined to areas overlying
old snow, particularly at the tops of easier gullies.  There is a
Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche in these localised areas.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 27/2/98
Heavy snow overnight and tomorrow on very strong Westerly winds
will continue the build up of windslab on N through to SE facing
slopes above 800m, where avalanches are likely. The tops of
sheltered gullies will be the most hazardous.  The avalanche
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light new snow above 800m.

ICING: None!

COMMENT: Poor mountain conditions expected tomorrow (27/2/98).



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