NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS 22/1/99 
Snow showers on strong S to SW winds have combined to 
create localised accumulations of poorly stabilised windslab at 
or above 1050m on steep N to ENE aspects. A few of these high 
areas have also been scoured down to thin crust.  Windslab 
stability at lower altitudes was good on many N aspects but a 
few E-facing slopes looked and felt `slabby', with stability no 
better than marginal. Considerable (Category 3) localised hazard 
of avalanche.
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  SAT 23/1/99
Strong S to SW winds will accompany additional light snowfall, 
turning to persistent drizzle on Saturday. Further fresh windslab 
can again be expected on many high (above 1100m) N to NE 
aspects where stability will decline as snow turns to rain. 
Avalanches are likely in these locations where there will be a 
Considerable (Category 3) localised hazard of avalanche. The 
snowpack will exhibit further consolidation at lower elevations.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New drifted snow down to 750m on 
Friday. Good cover but crusty in places.
ICING: Ice pitches on some routes in condition but still 
obscured by snow in many places. N.Corries quiet with
most easy gullies untouched. 





LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 22/1/99
A strong SW airflow overnight has continued to form large 
areas of poorly bonded windslab. Deposits of this slab are 
present on many aspects above 800m. Greatest accumulations 
are on slopes and gullies with N, NE and E aspects above 800m. 
The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Avalanche debris 
observed on N and NE aspects above 800m on Aonach Mor.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 23/1/99
Strong S to SW winds, and mild temperatures overnight and 
through Saturday will produce a wet snowpack below 1200m. 
Above 1200m areas of windslab will continue to form on N, NE 
and E aspects. Below 1200m large areas of poorly bonded wet 
snow will be present on many aspects. Avalanches will occur in 
these locations. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 
4). Cornices becoming prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: widespread cover above 650m, 
rising on Saturday.
ICING: Freezing level 1000m overnight, rising to 1200 on 
Saturday.
COMMENT: Strong to gale force winds expected on Saturday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 22/1/99
Snow at lower levels has become saturated by rain. Above 700m 
snow and SW gales have rapidly deposited further layers of 
windslab in sheltered areas. Summit gullies and NW to E facing
corrie headwalls contain deep unstable snow. The avalanche hazard
is High (Category 4). Avalanche debris noted in Coire nan Lochan.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 23/1/99
Heavy rain above the summits overnight and during Saturday 
will further load the already weakly bonded snowpack. Where 
deep unstable snow lies in summit gullies and sheltered NW to E
facing corrie headwalls large avalanches will occur. The
avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Cornices will be
prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 700m.
ICING: Thawing ice above 800m.
COMMENT: Most climbs buried under deep snow. Severe 
gales over ridges and summits.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 22/1/99 
Strong W then SW winds with light snow showers have led to 
windslab build up mainly on N to E slopes and sheltered gully 
areas. Some stabilisation has taken place but deposits are still 
moderately to weakly bonded on  steep slopes above 950m. 
Unstable cornices also exist above these aspects. 
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 23/1/99
Mild conditions returning with light rain at all levels will
slowly thaw the snowpack improving the stability of recent 
deposits. Slopes exposed to high potential loading from unstable 
cornices, mainly on N to E aspects, will remain a hazard. The 
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) on slopes
exposed to cornice collapse. 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy cover above 600m more 
complete at higher levels.
ICING: Thawing at all levels during Saturday.
COMMENT: Strong winds and light rain will prevail during 
Saturday.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 22/1/99 
Milder temperatures today, have aided consolidation of the 
snowpack. Hard slab lies on NW through to SE aspects above 
750m. Additionally shallow accumulations of fresh windslab are 
evident in sheltered areas below cornices on the same aspects, 
but above 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 23/1/99
Moderate falls of sleet or snow overnight on a strong SW wind 
will continue to load existing windslab deposits found in 
sheltered areas on NW through to SE aspects above 900m. 
During the day the temperature will rise and any snow will turn 
to rain at all levels. The risk of cornice collapse will increase 
with the milder conditions. The avalanche hazard will remain 
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep cover above 600m. Skis 
recommended for getting about.

ICING: Definitely improved but mostly horribly buried.

COMMENT: Extremely large cornices are above many steep 
slopes in the area.




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