NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 31/12/98 Freezing levels have remained just below the summits throughout the period. Below 900m rain has further moistened a sparse and generally stable snowpack. Above this a very light dusting of fresh snow exists with small quantities having been deposited as slab in isolated locations on steep N to E facing slopes and gully tops. A localised Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche exists, where accumulations are greatest in these areas. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/1/99 Light snow overnight and on Friday with strong S to SE winds will result in further deposits of windblown snow, primarily in Steep N to E facing slopes and gully tops. Where deepest new accumulations occur this will give an increased localised avalanche hazard of Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Sparse but still in existence above 700m. ICING: The recent slow thaw and the return again of slightly colder conditions all helpful factors in improving quality and quantity of existing ice. COMMENT: More snow expected later Friday. Have a safe and Happy New Year. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 31/12/98 Colder temperatures have produces a frozen and generally stable snowpack in most locations. Some isolated pockets of windslab exist in sheltered locations, generally on W, NW and N aspects. In these locations the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/1/99 A strong, showery S-SE airflow is expected with snow showers above 1000m. Little change is expected to the existing snowpack, which will remain stable in most locations. Localised areas of moderately bonded fresh snow will continue to form mainly on W, NW and N aspects above 1000m. Where these deposits exist, the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General cover above 750m. ICING: Freezing level remaining at around 1000m. COMMENT: All windblown snow slopes are hard frozen. Ice- axe and crampons required for anyone venturing onto the hills. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 31/12/98 Clear settled conditions overnight and during the day have rendered the snowpack generally firm and stable. Steep summit gullies in N-NE facing corries above 800m contain areas of breakable wind / rain crust. In these locations the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/1/99 A dusting of fresh snow overnight and during Friday will be deposited in sheltered N-NW gullies above 1000m. This snow is not expected to significantly affect the snowpack which will remain generally firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m. ICING: Thawing ice above 700m. COMMENT: Climbing conditions limited but classic gullies improving. HAPPY NEW YEAR! SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 31/12/98 Snow has been maintained in a soft and moist condition at all levels. Greatest amounts are to be found in sheltered locations and gullies in N to E corries above 900m. On steeper slopes snow was moderately well bonded and the avalanche hazard Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 1/1/99 There will be some new light accumulations in sheltered locations on N to NW aspects above 900m. On steeper slopes new deposits will be moderately to weakly bonded and the avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3) for these locations. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in N to E corries above 900m. ICING: Limited amounts continue to thaw. COMMENT: A windy day with only light snowfall. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 31/12/98 Mild temperatures overnight have helped to consolidate the snowpack but weakened cornices and debris from several cornices collapsing around Coire Ardair were noted. Slightly lower temperatures during today have left the snowpack generally stable but still soft at lower levels. In N to E facing gullies above 850m the snowpack is only moderately bonded and in these areas the hazard of avalanche is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 1/1/99 Light snow on strong SE winds will deposit unstable windslab on steep slopes, sheltered gullies and hollows of NW through to NE aspects above 850m. In these localised areas the hazard of avalanche will be Considerable (Category 3). In other areas the snowpack will be generally well bonded but with freezing levels still around the summits there will be a risk of falling ice and collapsing cornices. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy above 600m. Largest accumulations in N to E facing coires. ICING: Still improving. COMMENT: Huge cornices present above the Inner Coire. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------