NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 26/1/99 
Although some fresh windslab developed from overnight snow
showers reasonable consolidation of most deposits was evident.
Many slopes are wind scoured and stable. Highest instability
exists where most recent lee slope deposits are overhung by large
cornices eg above "Kiwi Gully", "Escalator" on Hells Lum Crag. In
these steep mostly E to SE aspects the avalanche hazard remains
Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 27/1/99
Light snow showers overnight becoming moderate on Wednesday,
accompanied by fresh NW then SW and S winds will see windblown
deposits develop on steep sheltered lee slopes. In these
generally Easterly aspects where greatest new accumulations
exist, avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will remain
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Excellent cover in plateau areas. 
Many slopes however windscoured with a firm crust.
ICING: Some good ice exists. Much remains buried. Many 
buttresses still plastered with snow.
COMMENT: Good ski touring opportunities.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 26/1/99 
Strong W winds and snow showers overnight have produced fresh
areas of windslab. Greatest accumulations exist at the tops of
slopes and gullies with an NE or E aspect above 900m. In places
this windslab exhibits poor stability. In these locations, the
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Where the snowpack
has been wind scoured, it is frozen and stable.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 27/1/99
Light snow showers are expected overnight. This will have little 
effect to the existing snowpack, with areas of unstable snow 
remaining at the tops of N and NE aspects. During Wednesday, 
heavy snow accompanied by strong SW winds is expected.
Further development of unstable windslab will result during the 
day. Greatest accumulations will be on N, NE and E aspects 
above 800m, where avalanches are likely. In these locations, the 
avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Unstable 
cornices will also form above these aspects. Where the 
snowpack is wind scoured, it will remain hard frozen and stable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 650m.
ICING: Remaining cold through out the period.
COMMENT: Heavy snow expected during Wednesday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 26/1/99 
Snow showers overnight have deposited areas of dense windslab 
on leeward slopes facing N to E above 700m. On steep corrie 
headwalls and in sheltered gullies deep soft slab is weakly 
bonded. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). 
Many corrie headwalls and gullies are topped by unstable 
cornices.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 27/1/99
Heavy snow during Wednesday will form further layers of windslab
on sheltered N to E slopes mainly above 700m. Steep corrie
headwalls and summit gullies will contain deep windslab which
will be very unstable. In these areas avalanches will occur with
the possibility of runout on to corrie paths. Avalanche hazard
High (Category 4).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 400m.

ICING: Ice forming above 700m.

COMMENT: Buttresses plastered in snow, more to come!



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 26/1/99 
Gale force NW winds overnight have left many areas scoured and
icy. In sheltered N through to SE slopes and gullies poorly
bonded windslab exists, especially on steep slopes where deposits
overlie an icy crust. Unstable faceted crystals within near
surface layers continue to form as cold conditions persist,
affecting these deposits. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 27/1/99
Cold conditions with further snow showers and NW then SW to S
winds during the period will lead to further windslab build up on
to existing poorly bonded deposits on N through to SE slopes and
gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3)
with avalanches likely in these areas.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy snow above 500m with more 
complete cover above 900m. Icy on exposed slopes with 
sheltered areas holding some Scottish powder!
ICING: Most gullies banked out, with buttresses covered in 
mostly unconsolidated snow. Best ice most likely on Eagles 
Rock.
COMMENT: 

CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 26/1/99
A moderate fall of snow overnight on Westerly winds has 
continued to build accumulations of windslab on N through to S 
facing slopes above 650m.  Steep slopes, sheltered hollows and 
the tops of gullies are most affected. In these areas the hazard of 
avalanche is Considerable (Category 3). Fresh avalanche debris 
was noted in Coire a' Chriochairein. On wind-scoured slopes 
the snowpack is well-consolidated hard snow-ice.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 27/1/99
Fresh NW winds tonight will bring light snow, with more snow on
Southerly winds tomorrow. Slab will build initially on NE through
to S facing slopes above 700m and later NW to N aspects will also
be affected as the wind backs. The avalanche hazard in these
areas will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are
likely.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Cover complete above 650m. 
Still excellent ski touring conditions.

ICING: Pretty good but unfortunately still plastered with snow.

COMMENT: Sunshine, light winds and masses of snow, on 
Creag Meagaidh!




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