LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 9/1/99 The snowpack is generally stable at all levels. Localised deposits of slab are still present in sheltered locations above 1200m, although accumulations are not generally significant in quantity. Where this slab is present, the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 10/1/99 The cold settled weather is expected to continue overnight and during Sunday. The snowpack will remain generally stable at all levels. Localised areas of slab will still be present in sheltered locations above 1200m, although accumulations will not generally be significant in quantity. Where this slab is present, the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fairly widespread cover above 700m. ICING: Remaining cold. Reports of many routes being climbed on Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis, in fairly good early season condition. COMMENT: Snow surface remains frozen. Ice-axe and crampons essential for everyone venturing on to the hills. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 9/1/99 Cold, calm conditions have left the snowpack reasonably well bonded on most slopes. However very isolated shallow accumulations of unstable slab, soft on N to SW aspects and hard on N to E aspects, is present above 800m. Sheltered cornices and hollows at the very tops of gullies and slopes are particularly affected. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) in these very isolated areas. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 10/1/99 Continuing high pressure with cold, calm conditions will bring little change. The snowpack will remain reasonably well bonded in most areas, however shallow but unstable soft slab deposits will remain, particularly below cornices and at the very top of sheltered gullies of a N through to SW aspect. Isolated patches of unstable hard slab will also remain on N to E aspects above 800 m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) in these isolated areas. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good, frozen cover above 750m. ICING: Thin, but climbable ice on most routes. COMMENT:Looks like good weather's set to continue! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 9/1/99 The cold and dry conditions have continued to stabilised the snowpack which is now generally well bonded and stable in most locations and at all levels. Some very small localised patches of thin windslab exist above 950m in summit gullies with a NW to NE aspect these are generally insignificant the avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). Most areas are Icy and stable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 10/1/99 The cold settled weather is expected to continue overnight and during Sunday, generally dry conditions and some light Northerly winds can be anticipated. Little change is expected to the existing snowpack during the reporting period. The snowpack stability will remain good at all levels. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 700m. ICING: Ice above 500m. COMMENT: Reasonable climbing conditions exist on buttresses above 800m. Gullies will have isolated patches of thin soft windslab, mainly below the headwalls . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 9/1/99 Some light snow showers on gentle NE winds have combined to create pockets of new soft windslab at the very tops of steep SW to W aspects above 1100m. One or two easy to moderate shears showed up in stability tests but this recent slab development is localised and generally thin. Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche in these locations. Snowpack stability in all other locations is good. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 10/1/99 Generally settled, cold conditions are expected right through the period. Some light snow is possible overnight and as a result a little more soft slab build up may occur on steep S to SW above 1100m. This will again be localised in extent and give rise to a Moderate (Category 2) hazard of avalanche where it is deepest. Snow stability in all other locations will again be good. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thin covering of fresh snow at all levels on Saturday. Crusty or hard beneath this above 800m altitude. ICING: Remains reasonable with steady build up. Thin crust in many gullies but nevertheless firm underfoot. COMMENT: Misty above 700m on Saturday, but again good skiing in ski area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 9/1/99 The continuing cold conditions have left localised pockets of poorly bonded snow on many aspects above 900m. These deposits are mostly in sheltered gully areas and scarps and although unstable are generally avoidable. The avlanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 10/1/99 Continuing cold with light winds will result in little change to the localised deposits of poorly bonded snow on many aspects above 900m. These deposits, mostly in sheltered gully areas and scarps, will remain unstable as cold temperatures persist. The avalache hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) where recent deposits are greatest. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy snow above 600m with more or less complete cover above 1000m. ICING: Lean conditions with buttresses holding soft snow. A slight thaw freeze cycle would improve things. COMMENT: Remaining cold with best ice in natural watercourses such as Eagles Rock etc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------