CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 1/1/99 Continuing mild temperatures overnight have further consolidated the snowpack leaving it generally well bonded. The snow remains soft below 750m and a hard crust has developed above this altitude with neve around the summits. The snowpack is moderately well bonded on steep slopes of a N through to SE aspect above 850m where larger accumulations remain. The hazard of avalanche is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 2/1/98 Moderate amounts of snow tonight and tomorrow on a very strong S wind will deposit areas of unstable windslab on NW through to E aspects above 850m. Sheltered gullies and hollows will be most affected, here the hazard of avalanche will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches will be likely. There will be a risk of cornice collapse in the mild temperatures. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: There still remain large accumulations of snow above 750m in certain areas. ICING: Looking good from a distance but melting today. COMMENT: Risk of falling ice and rock from the Coire Ardair cliffs. Hope you had a good one!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 1/1/99 Late snow showers on SE winds have combined to create accumulations of new windslab high on many N to NW-facing gullies above 1100m. Where these deposits are deepest they pose a Considerable (Category 3) localised hazard of avalanche. Snow stability is good in most other locations with many areas having a thin re-frozen crust. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 2/1/99 Little overall change is expected in avalanche conditions through the period. Snow showers and SE to SW winds will result in additional new windslab deposits at the tops of many NW to NE facing gully tops above 1100m. Where new slab development is greatest in these places there will be a Considerable (Category 3) localised hazard of avalanche. Good stability can again be expected in all wind-exposed locations. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Somewhat sparse and crusty but sufficient for limited skiing within the bounds of Cairngorm's ski area. ICING: Fluctuating temperatures helping snow/ice to develop in places. Quantity and quality of ice varies with altitude. COMMENT: A few hardy types out on the hill on Friday but the N.Cairngorms are generally quiet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 1/1/99 Light deposits of snow overnight have formed isolated areas of moderately bonded windslab in sheltered areas, generally on W, NW and N aspects above 900m. In these locations, the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack is generally well frozen and stable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 2/1/99 Moderate amounts of snow above 900m accompanied by strong SSW winds are expected overnight and during Saturday. Fresh areas of unstable windslab will form, greatest accumulations being at the tops of N, NE and E facing slopes and gullies. Where this fresh windslab exists in significant quantities, the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Cornices will reform above these aspects. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow falling above 950m. ICING: Freezing level remaining at around 1000m. COMMENT: Strong SSW winds continuing. Windblown snow slopes remain frozen. Ice-axe and crampons essential for anyone venturing onto the hills. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 1/1/99 Strong Southerly winds and new snow above 900m are forming areas of soft windslab on NW-NE slopes and in sheltered gullies mainly above 1000m. Where deeper accumulations have formed on steeper slopes the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) elsewhere the snowpack is stable AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 2/1/99 Rain at most levels overnight will moisten and reduce the snowpack. Above 1000m wet slab will form in gullies and on slopes with a NW-NE aspect. Slightly colder conditions during the day with light snow and Southerly winds will form areas of shallow windslab on slopes with a NW-NE aspect. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) on steeper slopes where soft wet slab exists. Avalanches are likely in these areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m. ICING: Thawing ice above 700m. COMMENT: Climbing conditions limited. Windy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 1/1/99 Snow remains soft and moist at all levels. Greatest amounts are to be found in sheltered locations and gullies in N to E corries above 900m. Further light deposits of wet snow above 1000m was occurring on theses aspects during the afternoon. Any remaining cornices are prone to collapse during thaw conditions. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 2/1/99 The strong S winds will continue with rain at most levels. Some snow deposits may form on NW through to E slopes and sheltered gullies above 1100m. These localised deposits will generally be insignificant, but where deposits are greatest a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche exists. Remaining cornices will be unstable during thaw. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in N to E corries above 900m. ICING: Limited amounts continue to thaw. COMMENT: Rock and icefall are hazards during thaw. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------