NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI  6/3/98
Pre-existing slab on E to SE aspects has been scoured somewhat by
strong SW winds. This eroded snow is being re-deposited as new
windslab at the heads of many N-facing gully tops where stability
is steadily declining. Light to moderate snow is accentuating
this build up and the avalanche hazard is  Considerable (Category
3) in these locations.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 7/3/98
Heavy snowfall overnight and during Saturday will give rise to new
windslab instability in a number of locations. ENE through to SE
winds will deposit this slab on steep SW to N aspects where
avalanches will occur. High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche in
these areas.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Much improved on plateaux (but visibility very
poor). Some drifting at lower altitudes on Friday. Expected to
improve over the period.
ICING: Slowly getting there! Ice beginning to re-form on the front
face of Hell's Lum crag. `The Chancer' in the Lum itself not yet
fully formed and narrow. Gullies in N.Corries mostly rocky and
broken -  better sport to be had on easier buttress routes.
COMMENT: Poor mountain conditions likely on Saturday.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 6/3/98
Unstable windslab is present on many slope aspects above 600m. Main
accumulations  remain on NE, E and SE aspects. Strong SE winds are
re-distributing dry loose snow on to sheltered Westerly aspects,
this is forming as fresh unstable windslab. The avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 7/3/98
High amounts of snow and a strong SE wind are expected overnight.
This will continue to form fresh deposits of unstable windslab on W
and NW facing slopes and gullies. Accumulations are likely to be
localised due to the high wind speeds. Where the fresh windslab
exists, the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).
The strong Easterly winds will scour all Easterly aspects which will
help stabilise these slopes.

                         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.
Increasing ENE winds on Saturday afternoon.





GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 6/3/98
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 refrozen layer.
Where these accumulations are deep and lying on steep slopes the
avalanche hazard is High (Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 7/3/98
Cold conditions and new snow will continue to affect the area with E
winds becoming ENE later.  Areas of soft windslab will continue to
exist and new formations will  form on most sheltered slopes. Due to
the alternating winds of the past few days most slopes above 800m
will have localised 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 400m

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





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 6/3/98
Cold conditions overnight have maintained the unstable windslab
on N to E facing slopes and gullies. Snow showers during the day
and strong SE winds are resulting in rapid windslab build up on W
to N slopes and sheltered gully areas. These deposits although
localised are unstable, especially on steep slopes. The avalanche
hazard is Considerable (Category 3) where deposits are greatest.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 7/3/98
High amounts of snow and strong E winds will lead to further
windslab development, Cold temperatures will maintain the
unstable deposits, leaving them weakly bonded. The areas of
greatest hazard will be steep W to N slopes and gullies, where
avalanches will occur. Recent localised deposits on E facing
slopes will also be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be High
(Category 4).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still generally sparse with most snow
on East aspects. Further amounts still expected.
ICING: Lean ice conditions but improving in natural
drainage areas. Exposed turf generally well frozen.
COMMENT Winds easing on Saturday but increasing in the
afternoon.




CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  FRI 6/3/98
Calm and very cold conditions overnight have given way today to
prolonged snow on strong SE winds. This has deposited deep
accumulations of  unstable windslab on slopes, gullies and
sheltered hollows of virtually all aspects above 700m. The
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  SAT 7/3/98
Heavy snowfall overnight and tomorrow accompanied by strong
Easterly winds will lead to further build up of very unstable
windslab. Steep slopes and gullies of virtually all aspects above
700m will continue to be hazardous.  Avalanches will occur in
these areas. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels.

ICING: Starting to become quite thick in many places.

COMMENT: A particularly unpleasant day in prospect for Saturday.



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