NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 20/1/99 
Snow showers on moderate SE to SW winds have brought about 
the development of weakly stabilised windslab on NW to NE 
aspects above 1100m. This new, poorly bonded snow is 
localised and sits at the tops of many gullies in these locations. 
Considerable (Category 3) localised hazard of avalanche. Better 
stability was noted in both new snow and older deposits at 
elevations below 1050m.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 21/1/99
Further light snow showers throughout the period on light to 
moderate WSW winds will see further poorly to marginalised-
stabilised soft windslab development high on steep N to E 
aspects. This will maintain the Considerable (Category 3) hazard 
of avalanche above 1100m, where avalanches are likely in these 
localised areas.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Covering of fresh snow down to 
650m today (Weds). Overall cover is good.
ICING: One or two buttress routes in N.Corries have been done 
of late and crags remain plastered with snow. Gullies filling out.
COMMENT: Very good skiing within the boundaries of the 
Cairngorm ski area.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 20/1/99 
Overnight snow showers and moderate SSW winds have formed fresh
areas of unstable windslab in sheltered locations. Greatest
accumulations exist on steeper N and NE aspects above 950m. Where
significant accumulations are present, the avalanche hazard is
Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack is generally
well bonded.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 21/1/99
Further snow showers and moderate W-SW winds are expected
overnight and during Thursday. Further windslab development is
expected on lee slopes. Avalanches are likely where significant
accumulations of this windslab exist. Areas most affected will be
steep N, NE and E aspects above 950m, particularly scarp slopes.
In these locations, the avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3). Unstable cornices will also continue to form above
lee slopes.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Widespread cover above 650m. 
Fresh snow expected at lower levels during the period.
ICING: Freezing at most levels overnight and during Thursday.
COMMENT: Relatively pleasant weather expected on 
Thursday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 20/1/99
Heavy snow above 800m overnight and during Wednesday has formed
windslab on sheltered N to NE facing slopes. Summit gullies and
corrie headwalls contain deep deposits of unstable soft slab. In
these areas the avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Elsewhere
the snowpack is moderately bonded with the colder conditions.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 21/1/99
Colder conditions will begin to stabilise the snowpack at lower
levels. However, snow showers and fresh winds will deposit
windslab in sheltered summit gullies and N to NE facing corrie
headwalls above 800m. In these areas the avalanche hazard will be
High (Category 4). Where deep soft slab lies in steep summit
gullies avalanches will occur.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow above 800m.
ICING: Ice forming above 800m.
COMMENT: Ridges and buttresses the safer option 
particularly with lighter winds.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 20/1/99 
Snow showers have left a new light covering on a hardened and 
generally stable snowpack. At present new snow is not a hazard 
but on N to E aspects above 900m some steeper slopes and 
cornices are still unstable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3). 
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 21/1/99
In general there will be little change with a low freezing level and 
some further light snowfall. Some steeper slopes on N to E 
aspects above 900m will have areas of moderately to weakly 
bonded snow. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3).
   

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good above 900m although 
generally crusty and icy.

ICING: Forming in current colder temperatures.

COMMENT: Footpaths are very icy.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS WED 20/1/99 
A freeze/thaw cycle overnight has helped to consolidate the 
recent heavy snowfalls. However hard slab exists on N through 
to SE aspects, particularly at the tops of gullies and steep slopes 
above 800m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) 
on the above mentioned aspects.
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK THU 21/1/99
With a forecast of isolated snow showers, light winds and a 
freeze at all levels the snowpack will consolidate further. 
Moderately well bonded hard slab will still remain on N through 
to SE aspects above 800m. In these areas avalanches may still 
be triggered with high additional loads (e.g. group of 
climbers/skiers). The avalanche hazard will be Moderate 
(Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep cover above 600m. A short 
walk at the bottom and then you'll find excellent ski-touring 
conditions.

ICING: Has improved in the last few days, but still difficult to 
get to the routes without skis.

COMMENT: Improving weather and improving snow 
conditions.




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