NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/3/98
W to NW winds and a period of persistent snow have created
accumulations of weakly stabilised windslab on steep, sheltered E to
SE aspects. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in these
areas. Hard, dry slab avalanche triggered in Ciste Mhearad at
1140hrs.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/3/98
Stability is expected to remain marginal to poor on all steep E to
SE slopes and gullies that are loaded with pre-existing windslab.
Heavy snowfall on E winds late in the period will bring about new
slab development on W aspects where stability will be poor by the
end of the day. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in all
these locations where avalanches are likely.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Somewhat improved with drifting on plateau areas.
ICING: Remains lean but v.cold temperatures will allow some further
development.
COMMENT: Very wintry on Thursday pm. and likely to be the same later
on Friday.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/3/98
Unstable, weakly bonded windslab exists on sheltered NE, E and SE
aspects, above 600m. Deep accumulations are present at the tops of
gullies. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Avalanche debris
noted on E and SE aspects, of Aonach Mor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/3/98
Overnight, cold conditions with a NW wind will maintain the unstable
snowpack. Avalanches are likely on NE, E and SE aspects above 600m.
As Friday progresses an increasing Easterly wind will bring high
amounts of snow to all levels. This will load Westerly aspects with
unstable windslab, where avalanches are likely, later in the day.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).
Fresh cornices will be prone to collapse.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels. Deep drifts in many
locations.
ICING: Ice continuing to form, as freezing level remains low.
COMMENT: Ice axe and crampons essential for all hill walkers. Many
gullies are loaded with unstable snow.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/3/98
New snow is lying as deep layered soft slab on most aspects of
slopes with the greatest accumulations being above 700m.  These new
deposits have drifted into gullies and sheltered areas. In many
places this soft slab is lying on an icy re-frozen layer. Where these
accumulations are deep and lying on steep slopes the avalanche
hazard is High (Category 4). Avalanche activity noted in various
locations in Glencoe.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/3/98
Cold conditions will continue to affect the area with NW winds
becoming E later.  Areas of soft windslab will exist. New
formations will continue to form on most sheltered slopes. Due to
the alternating winds of the past few days, most slopes above
750m will have deposits of  weakly bonded unstable snow. Where
deep soft windslab lies on steep slopes and in summit gullies
avalanches will occur, maintaining the High avalanche hazard
(Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 300m

ICING: Ice above 500m

COMMENT: Gullies require caution due to soft slab. Avalanche
activity noted in several gullies. Buttresses and ridges the safer
option. Becoming  colder.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 5/3/98
Strong Westerly winds have led to further unstable deposits
mainly on sheltered N facing gullies and E slopes. These
localised deposits, lying on an icy crust, are only moderately to
weakly bonded, especially on steeper slopes. The avalanche hazard
is Considerable (Category 3)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 6/3/98
Cold conditions overnight will maintain the instabilities in the
snowpack on steep sheltered N to E facing slopes and gullies. A
change during Friday afternoon with high amounts of snow and strong
E winds will lead to new accumulations mainly on SW through to NW
slopes and sheltered N gullies. The avalanche hazard in the above
areas will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow accumulating mainly on E aspects with
further amounts expected.
ICING: Generally poor but improving. Turf mostly frozen
COMMENT: Blizzard conditions and bitterly cold East winds expected
in the afternoon.






CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  THU 5/3/98
North Westerly winds overnight and today with heavy frequent snow
showers have deposited deep accumulations of very unstable windslab
at the tops of steep N through E to S facing slopes above 700m.
Scarp slopes beneath freshly formed cornices and sheltered gullies
and hollows are most affected. In these areas the avalanche hazard
is High (Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  FRI 6/3/98
Light snow tonight will give way on Friday to strengthening E
winds with heavy snowfall. This will lead to further development
of unstable windslab and the redistribution of the existing
weakly bonded windslab. All aspects above 700m will be affected
during Friday. Avalanches will occur in these areas. The
avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels.

ICING: Easier climbs are complete, insufficient ice on the harder
routes.

COMMENT: Good ski touring at the moment although the summit ridges
have been scoured clear in places.



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