NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 29/12/98 
Very strong Southerly winds for most of the day have stripped 
recent snow deposits from high ground and from all but the 
most sheltered of locations.  In a few of these, mostly Northerly 
aspects, isolated pockets of less stable accumulations exist, 
giving rise to a localised, Moderate (Category 2) hazard of 
avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 30/12/98
Forecasted heavy snow overnight, easing on Wednesday, along 
with the very strong S/SE winds, will see some fresh 
accumulations of windslab develop in sheltered N aspects. (The 
very strong, storm force winds are unlikely to allow widespread 
deposits to develop). Where fresh build up does occur in these 
locations a localised High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche will 
result and avalanches will occur.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some drifted areas on higher ground 
above 800m but many areas scoured by storm force S winds.
ICING: Cold conditions maintaining some build up.
COMMENT: A breakable crust, snow covered boulders and 
localised drifting along with hurricane force winds on high 
ground on Tuesday, allowing maximum scope for "character" 
forming mountain experiences!




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 29/12/98 
Strong Southerly winds have deposited fresh windslab in 
sheltered locations with a NW, N and E aspect above 800m.
This windslab is weakly bonded especially on steeper slopes.
Where this windslab exists in sufficient quantity the avalanche 
hazard is Considerable (Category 3). All wind scoured snow 
slopes are generally stable.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 30/12/98
Wet snow and strong Southerly winds are expected overnight 
and during Wednesday. Localised areas of unstable snow will be 
present, greatest accumulations being on steep NW, N and NE 
aspects above 900m. Avalanches are likely where significant 
accumulations are present. The avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main snow accumulations remain 
above 700m.
ICING: Freezing level rising above the summits for a time on 
Wednesday morning before falling again later.
COMMENT: Gale force winds moderating on Wednesday 
afternoon.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 29/12/98 
Areas of hard old snow exist above 600m with softer windslab
lying in hollows and gullies. Strong winds have deposited deeper
soft slab into sheltered summit gullies facing N-NE. On sheltered
corrie headwalls and in steep summit gullies the avalanche hazard
is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 30/12/98
Snow overnight turning to rain at all levels will saturate the
snowpack. Deeper soft slab lying on steep ground will be weakly
bonded. On sheltered N-NE facing corrie headwalls and in summit
gullies avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 400m.
ICING: Ice on rocks and paths above 600m.
COMMENT: Ice building up nicely but rain above summits 
during next 24 hrs.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 29/12/98
Freezing temperatures have left a thin crust in most places,
stabilising the recent deposits. Strong S winds and light snow
showers have led to new small localised deposits in sheltered
areas above 900m mainly on N through to East facing slopes. The
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 30/12/98
Heavy snowfall above 700m and strong SE winds overnight will 
lead to weakly bonded windslab on NW through to E facing 
slopes and gullies. With the onset of rain at all levels during 
Wednesday all new deposits will be unstable, with avalanches 
likely. Cornices will also be unstable. The avalanche hazard will 
be Considerable (Category 3) 


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin crusty snow cover, with larger 
accumulations in sheltered areas above 850m.
ICING: Thin ice buried under crusty snow. Greatest amounts 
on Eagles Rocks. Buttresses holding snow, albeit 
unconsolidated. 
COMMENT: Most paths very icy! 
Freezing level rising to 1300m during Wednesday.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 29/12/98
Strong SE to NE winds have deposited fresh windslab on SW to NW
facing slopes and the snowpack is still weakly bonded in N
through to SE facing gullies and hollows.  In these areas above
750m the hazard of avalanche is Considerable (Category 3). Large
cornices are present above many N through to SE aspects.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 30/12/98
Heavy snow overnight on gale force Southerly winds will load NW
through to SE facing slopes above 800m with fresh windslab.
Sheltered gullies and hollows will be most affected; here the
hazard of avalanche will be High (Category 4) and avalanches will
occur. Rising temperatures during the morning, with freezing
levels briefly above the summits, will increase the risk of
cornice collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels.

ICING: Difficult to see under all the snow, but appears to still 
be improving.

COMMENT: Huge cornices still above the Inner Coire.




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