LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 14/3/98 A rapid rise in temperature this morning has led to cornice collapse above many slope aspects. Wet unstable snow is present on steep NE and E facing slopes mainly above 1100m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Avalanche activity observed in East corries of Aonach Mor. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 15/3/98 Thaw conditions and rain will continue overnight and on Sunday. The snowpack will continue to thaw at all levels, below 1100m the snowpack will slowly stabilise. Above 1100m wet snow instabilities will remain on steep NE and E facing slopes, mainly on summit slopes and gullies of Ben Nevis, where the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). Remaining cornices will be very unstable and prone to collapse. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A moist snowpack is present at all levels. Greatest accumulations remain in the higher NE and E facing corries. ICING: Ice continuing to deteriorate as the thaw continues. Summit temperature +6 deg' C on Sunday. COMMENT: Continuing hazard of falling ice and rocks on many climbing routes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 14/3/98 Remaining snow is becoming moist with steady thaw conditions. The snowpack remains generally stable. Some hazard exists from falling ice and loose rocks below buttresses. Avalanche hazard Low (Category 1) AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 15/3/98 Remaining dry and mild. Steady thaw will persist bringing little change to the current avalanche hazard which remains Low (Category 1). Any ice on buttresses, along with the presence of loose rocks, will continue to present a hazard in areas immediately below them. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Becoming sparse and patchy, although old drifted snow remains in sheltered gullies. ICING: Thaw conditions, some ice still remains. Conditions remain poor pending any re-freeze. COMMENT: Lighter winds should allow more pleasant access to plateau areas than conditions of late. rated with the present thaw conditions. Buttresses and ridges are the safest option. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 14/3/98 The continuing thaw and light rain have left the snowpack generally stable but moist. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). The remaining cornices are still unstable and ice and stone fall is continuing to occur under the Coire Ardair cliffs. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 15/3/98 Rain and drizzle with freezing levels above the summits will maintain a moist but generally stable snowpack. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). A moderate risk of ice and stone fall will remain under steep cliffs. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations diminishing to hollows and gullies above 750m. ICING: Thawing rapidly. COMMENT: Poor climbing in soft wet snow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 14/3/98 Thaw conditions are leaving a wet and soft snowpack at all levels. Any remaining cornices are sagging and prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 15/3/98 Thaw conditions will continue leaving the snowpack wet and generally well bonded at all levels. Any remaining cornices are prone to collapse with rock and ice fall a danger during thaw conditions. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow is rapidly disappearing at all levels. Be quick if you want to get some skiing in! ICING: What remains is running down the cliffs. COMMENT: The thaw continues! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------