NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/1/99 
Some consolidation of the existing snowpack has taken place.
Re-deposited snow has formed pockets of less stable slab,
primarily on NE to E aspects above 980m. In these locations the
avalanche hazard remains Considerable (Category 3)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/1/99
Further light to moderate snow overnight and on Friday,
accompanied by strong W to SW winds will result in additional
deposits of windblown snow accumulating primarily on NE to E
aspects. In steepest locations and gully tops where these
accumulations are greatest avalanches are likely. Avalanche
hazard Considerable (Category 3)

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A little snow still lying at valley 
level with drifting and reasonable cover above 600m.
ICING: Still pretty much buried by recent snow. Sport to be 
had but bring a shovel! Buttresses remain plastered.
COMMENT: Looking wintry. Ski- touring becoming a 
reasonable option if winds allow.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/1/98 
Snow showers and moderate winds overnight have formed large 
areas of unstable windslab. Areas most effected are slopes and 
gullies with a N, NE and E aspects above 750m. Steep scarp
slopes are particularly affected. Where significant accumulations 
of this windslab exist the avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3). Avalanche activity observed on NE and E aspects 
above 800m on Aonach Mor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/1/99
Further deposits of snow and strong SW winds are expected
overnight and during Friday. Further windslab development is
expected on lee slopes above 1000m, mainly on steep N, NE and E
aspects. Below 1000m, large areas of unstable wet snow will exist
on many aspects. Avalanches will occur in these locations. The
avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Unstable cornices
will also continue to form above lee slopes.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Widespread cover above 650m. 
Rising overnight and through Friday.
ICING: Freezing level rising to 1000m overnight.
COMMENT: Milder conditions returning.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/1/99
Heavy snow overnight has been deposited on slopes of all 
aspects. This p.m. strengthening SW winds have built up weakly 
bonded windslab on all sheltered ground facing NW - E above 
700m. Steep sheltered slopes, corrie headwalls and summit 
gullies contain deep unstable snow. In these areas the avalanche 
hazard is High (Category 4). Avalanche debris noted in several 
locations in the glen.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/1/99
Heavy sleet/snow and rising temperatures overnight and during 
Friday will further weaken the poorly bonded snowpack. 
Avalanches will occur in many steep summit gullies, corrie 
headwalls and sheltered NW-E facing slopes above 700m. 
Large unstable cornices will be prone to collapse, triggering 
avalanches. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep fresh snow above 700m.
ICING: Ice forming above 900m.
COMMENT: Ridges and buttresses the safer option. Many
climbs buried under deep snow.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/1/99 
In general the snowpack is reasonably stable but drifting snow 
and light snow showers have left new deposits in hollows, gullies 
and other sheltered areas on N to SE aspects above 900m. 
Where new accumulations overlie existing snow ice they are 
unstable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). 
Where cornices are reforming they are unstable.
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/1/99
A windy day with sleet and snow will lead to further build up of 
unstable snow in gullies and sheltered areas on N to SE aspects 
above 900m. New deposits will be moderately to weakly bonded 
and avalanches are likely. Cornices will also be unstable.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Exposed
slopes remain scoured and icy.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 900m.
ICING: Most icing is under snow.
COMMENT: Ski touring is good at present.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 21/1/99
Fresh snowfall on severe gale force Westerly winds has 
deposited deep accumulations of unstable windslab, 
predominantly on NW through to SE facing slopes, but also in 
areas sheltered from the winds on other aspects. Slopes above 
750m are worst affected. The avalanche hazard is High 
(Category 4).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 22/1/99
Light snow on a W wind tonight, followed by moderate to high 
amounts of snow tomorrow on a severe gale force SW wind, 
will continue to load slopes with unstable windslab. Areas most 
affected will be NW through to SE facing slopes above 750m, 
and sheltered gullies and hollows of all other aspects. The 
avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4) and avalanches will 
occur.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep cover above 600m.
Damp and patchy below this.

ICING: Definitely improved but still horribly buried.

COMMENT: With debris from an enormous avalanche out of 
Raeburn's Gully which ends in Lochan a' Choire, beware of 
avalanche run out zones!!




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