NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/3/98
A sequence of blustery snow showers from the NW have created
localised accumulations of moderately stabilised windslab on steep,
sheltered E to SE aspects above 1050m. Moderate (Category 2) hazard
of avalanche in these places. The snowpack in all other locations
has been re-frozen hard and scoured of new snow.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/3/98
Little significant change is expected in avalanche conditions over
the forecast period. Some light snow showers later in the day may
again put down a few pockets new slab on high, steep and sheltered W
to NW aspects. Any new accumulations in these places are expected to
be localised and present a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of
avalanche. Stability will remain good in all other locations.

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remains patchy with a little new drifted snow
above 1000m. Hard snow surface on remaining patches.
ICING: Remains poor. Most gullies broken and incomplete but
remaining snow has been re-frozen hard.
COMMENT: Showers of graupel made for painful progress at higher
altitudes on Wednesday. Cairngorms relatively quiet at present.





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/3/98
Despite a light dusting of fresh snow above 700m, the overall snow
stability remains good. This fresh snow has not resulted in any
significant new snow accumulations. The avalanche hazard is Low
(Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/3/98
The cooler conditions are expected to continue overnight with only a
light dusting of fresh snow during Thursday. No significant new snow
accumulations are expected. The snow stability will remain good
throughout the period. The avalanche hazard will remain Low
(Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations remain in high N and E facing
corries.
ICING: Freezing level remaining at around 700m overnight and during
Thursday.
COMMENT: Milder weather expected later on Thursday.




GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/3/98
A dusting of new snow exists above 800m. The surface of the snowpack
is slightly firmer but otherwise unaffected by last nights fresh
snow. Greatest deposits are to be found in high North to East facing
corries and remain generally stable. Avalanche hazard Low (Category
1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/3/98
Showery rain above the summits will make the snowpack  moist. The
snowpack remaining in sheltered gullies high in N to E facing
corries will be soft but generally stable. The avalanche hazard will
be Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 800m.

ICING: Not much trace of ice!

COMMENT: Climbing conditions poor.





SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 18/3/98
Colder temperatures have left remaining snow generally
well bonded and stable. There was a very light dusting
of snow that had no affect on the avalanche hazard which
is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 19/3/98
With freezing levels around 900m there will be little
change to the sparse snowpack which will be hard and icy
at all levels. The avalanche hazard will remain Low
(Category 1).

                   CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow remaining is mainly in N to E
corries.

ICING: None at present.

COMMENT: Some footpaths are very icy.





CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS  WED 18/3/98
With no more than a trace of snow overnight and today the snowpack
has changed little. The snowpack, where it still exists, remains
very stable on all aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category
1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  THU 19/3/98
The situation will change little. The colder temperatures will
continue with only a very few light snow showers during the
afternoon on strong NW winds. This will only improve the wintry look
of the hills. The snowpack will remain very stable on all aspects.
The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1).

                         CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remaining very patchy with greatest accumulations
in Coire a' Chriochairein and the Inner Coire.

ICING: Still none to report-sorry!

COMMENT: 

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