LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 18/12/98 
Fresh snow exists on most aspects above 650m. Significant 
accumulations are restricted to sheltered locations, mainly 
gullies and scarp slopes with a NE or E aspect above 1000m. In 
steep localised areas, where this fresh snow overlies old snow, 
the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere 
the snowpack is stable. Various loose snow avalanches observed 
in Zero Gully and NE Buttress areas on Ben Nevis.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 19/12/98
Further snowfall and light W to NW winds are expected 
overnight and during Saturday. Localised areas of unstable 
snow will remain, accumulations being greatest on steep gullies 
and scarp slopes above 1000m with a NE or E aspect. In these 
locations the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 
3). Elsewhere a stable but unconsolidated snowpack will be 
present.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow on most aspects above 
650m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining around 600m.
COMMENT: 



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CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 18/12/98
Snow showers overnight and during the day on moderate 
Westerly winds have deposited significant amounts of windslab. 
Moderately bonded windslab has formed above 850m. Where 
existing snow has been covered in N through to SE facing 
gullies the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 19/12/98
Further light snowfalls on a fresh W becoming NW wind will 
continue the build up of windslab. Deeper gullies of a N through 
to SE aspect above 800m will be most affected. Due to this new 
windslab forming on top of a weak surface layer, the avalanche 
hazard will increase to Considerable (Category 3) in these 
localised areas.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 750m.

ICING: No longer non existent BUT still very scarce.

COMMENT: Big cornices above the Inner Coire and in Coire 
Choille-rais. 



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SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 18/12/98 
No significant snow deposits left in the area.
No avalanche category issued for today.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 19/12/98
Becoming colder with only light snowfall and strong west winds 
will lead to small-localised deposits of wind slab mainly on E to 
SE facing slopes and sheltered gully areas. Where these small 
deposits over lie existing snow-ice the Avalanche Hazard will be 
Low (Category 1).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very little snow. Largest deposits in 
East facing corries on Beinn A` Bhuid.
ICING: Ice building as freezing level lowers.
COMMENT: We are ready, willing , and able for any 
snowfalls!!!



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GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS 18/12/98 
A light cover of new snow is lying above 700m mainly in 
sheltered NE facing corries and gullies, accumulations are 
generally to shallow to be significant. The avalanche hazard is 
Low (Category1) 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK 19/12/98
Colder conditions than of late will affect the area. New snow 
and Westerly winds will deposit further accumulations on E to 
SE slopes above 800m. Where deeper deposits form the 
avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2)


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow above 700m
ICING: Ice will form on rocks and paths above 600m
COMMENT: Climbing conditions limited but will improve 
with colder weather  



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 18/12/98 
A Very light dusting of new snow, above 900m. This has made 
little change to the current very sparse snow cover. The 
avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1)
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 19/12/98
Light snow showers overnight becoming more significant by 
late afternoon with moderate W then NW winds. This will result 
in fresh accumulations of windblown snow primarily on E and 
SE slopes. Where localised deposits become greatest, in gully 
tops above 900m, later in the period, the avalanche hazard will 
become Moderate (Category 2)

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Very little as yet. Hard icy patches 
only above 900m on Friday
ICING: No build up but freezing temps.
COMMENT: Becoming more wintry.




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