CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 22/12/98
Fluctuating temperatures and snowfall overnight have deposited 
a layer of soft slab on existing unconsolidated snow. The 
snowpack is moderately to weakly bonded in steep gullies and 
sheltered hollows of a N through to SE aspect above 800m. In 
these localised areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3). Avalanche debris noted in Coire nan Gall and 
Coire a'Chriochairein.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 23/12/98
Moderate snowfall tonight and tomorrow on a strong SW wind 
will deposit fresh windslab on N through to SE facing slopes 
above 700m. Gullies and sheltered hollows will be most 
affected where further loading of the already unstable snowpack 
will occur.  In these areas the avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches will be likely. 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Improving snow cover above 800m.

ICING: Ice beginning to form on most routes but still thin.

COMMENT: Large cornices existing above some steep  N to 
SE slopes.



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 22/12/98 
Freezing temperatures, above 750m, along with some fresh 
snow has helped maintain what little cover exists. Small pockets 
of windslab exist at the top of some N facing gullies, in these 
isolated locations a localised Moderate (Category 2) avalanche 
hazard exists.
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 23/12/98
Snow showers overnight and tomorrow, with strong SW winds, 
will result in more significant accumulations of windblown 
snow on N to NE facing slopes. In steep sheltered locations and 
gully heads where deposits are greatest the avalanche hazard 
will increase to Considerable (Category 3) with small triggered 
slides likely.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A dusting down to 500m. Some 
drifting in plateau areas.
ICING: Developing. Buttresses offering best sport. Gully lines 
very limited.
COMMENT: Wintry conditions




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GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 22/12/98 
Milder conditions have moistened much of the snowpack. Deep 
deposits of soft slab exist in sheltered North to East facing 
gullies above 800m. Where deeper soft slab lies in steep summit 
gullies the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 23/12/98
New snow heavy at times and strong Southwesterly winds will 
deposit unstable windslab on sheltered slopes above 800m. 
Greatest accumulations will form on North to East facing slopes 
and in sheltered gullies. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3) where deeper windslab forms. 
Cornices will start to form above these slopes.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m.
ICING: Thawing ice above 800m.
COMMENT: Climbing conditions limited, higher ridges and 
buttresses have a covering of soft snow



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LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 22/12/98 
Areas of unstable windslab are present, mainly on scarp slopes 
and steep gullies with N, NE or E aspects above 1100m. In 
these locations the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 
3). Unstable fresh cornices are developing above these aspects.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 23/12/98
Fresh snow accompanied by strong SW winds will further load 
existing areas of unstable windslab. Greatest accumulations will 
occur on scarp slopes and steep gullies with N, NE or E aspects 
above 1000m. Avalanches are likely in these locations. The 
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Cornices 
will continue to form.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow expected above 600m.
ICING: Freezing level around 300m on Tuesday rising to 900m 
by the afternoon
COMMENT: Strong winds continuing.



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SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 22/12/98 
Localised areas of soft slab exist in sheltered areas and gullies on 
N to E slopes above 800m. These areas are only moderately well 
bonded particularly where they overlie older snow. The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 23/12/98
New deposits of snow will build on existing areas of unstable 
windslab on N to E aspects above 800m. The snowpack in these 
locations will be moderately to weakly bonded and the avalanche 
hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A dusting on most aspects with 
deeper patches on N to E aspects above 850m. 

ICING: Any existing areas are thawing. Turf still firm

COMMENT: Snow is likely to fall at all levels.


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