NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/1/99 New snow surface instabilities were noted on steep NE to E aspects above 1050m. Fresh pockets of poorly stabilised windslab are widespread and the avalanche hazard remains Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/1/99 Further snow with strong W winds, easing NW will result in the continued build up of poorly stabilised windblown snow on NE to SE aspects. Where accumulations are greatest on these steep summit slopes and gully tops, avalanches will occur. High (Category 4) hazard of avalanche. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fair above 700m with deeper drifting on high ground. ICING: Still buried in many locations. Good potential. COMMENT: Continuing wintry LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/1/99 Snow showers and strong SSW winds overnight have deposited fresh areas of soft windslab. Accumulations are greatest on N and NE aspects above 900m. This windslab shows poor stability. In these areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/1/99 Heavy snow and strong W winds will deposit large areas of fresh unstable windslab. Greatest accumulations will be on NE, E and SE aspects above 900m, particularly scarp slopes and the tops of gullies. Avalanches are likely in these locations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Unstable cornices will also form above these aspects. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General snow cover above 650. ICING: Freezing level lowering to 300m overnight and during Tuesday. COMMENT: Large areas of unstable snow expected in many gullies on Ben Nevis. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/1/99 Variable winds and new snow are forming accumulations of unstable windslab in sheltered gullies and on slopes mainly with a NW through to E aspect above 750m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) where deeper accumulations of windslab have formed mainly in gullies and steep sheltered scarp slopes AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/1/99 Cold conditions with heavy falls of new snow overnight and a strong Westerly airstream will form windslab in sheltered gullies and on slopes with a N through to SE aspect above 700m. Some redistribution of the existing windslab will occur. Deep accumulations will form in many in sheltered gullies and on scarp slopes above 800m and in these areas the avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Avalanches will occur with possibility of run out on to paths due to extensive snow cover at present in the area. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Extensive cover above 600m. ICING: Ice reforming above 700m. COMMENT: Higher ridges,buttresses plastered in snow SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/1/99 Very strong winds have led to many open areas being scoured, but in sheltered N through to SE slopes localised windslab deposits are poorly bonded to old snow-ice. In most areas the deposits are moderately bonded where some stabilisation is taking place. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3), in these localised areas. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/1/99 Moderate snowfall and very strong W winds will result in further windslab deposits mainly N to E facing slopes and sheltered gully areas. These deposits will remain moderately to weakly bonded to old snow-ice, especially on steep slopes above 900m. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3). Many other areas will continue to be scoured and icy. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy snow cover above 600m. Mostly complete cover above 900m. ICING: Buttresses on Lochnagar holding mostly unconsolidated snow, with many gullies banked out. COMMENT: Happy Birthday Rabbie. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 25/1/99 Moderate amounts of snow on a SE backing to NW wind have deposited fresh accumulations of windslab. Localised areas on N through to S facing slopes above 750m are most affected, but due to variable wind directions in the corries patches of windslab have formed in sheltered gullies and hollows of all aspects. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4) where this slab is found; elsewhere the snowpack is well-consolidated wind-scoured neve. Avalanche debris noted in Coire nan Gall. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 26/1/99 Moderate to high amounts of snow tonight with freezing levels remaining at 300m and severe gale force Westerly winds will continue to load slopes with windslab. Slab will build on N through to S facing slopes above 650m and in gullies and hollows sheltered from the wind on any other aspect. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4) and avalanches will occur. Large unstable cornices will continue to form above steep N through to S aspects. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Full cover above 700m. ICING: Improving underneath all the snow! COMMENT: Excellent ski touring conditions if you don't mind a wee walk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------