NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 29/1/99 
The top-most layers of new windslab that lies on E to SE aspects
have been moistened and softened by light but persistent drizzle.
Stability tests showed up easy shears in layered new slab in
these locations and stability was marginal to poor above 1050m.
New, fragile-looking cornices overhang many of these places.
Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 30/1/99
Dry, mild conditions will prevail right through the forecast
period. Stability will again be marginal on steep E to SE aspects
above 1050m exposed to high potential loading from cornice
collapse. Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche in these
locations. The snowpack will begin to consolidate at lower
altitudes and on slopes and gullies of most other aspects.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow at all levels on Friday. 
Cover remains good above 700m. Deep drifts remain in places.
ICING: The predicted thaw will be useful as long as we get a 
re-freeze. Getting  rather wet Friday pm.
COMMENT: Freezing level just above summits for Saturday.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 29/1/99 
Mild temperatures and light rain overnight have produced a moist
snowpack at all levels. Unstable wet snow exists on many aspects,
especially steep slopes and gullies with N, E and SE facing
aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).
Unstable cornices above many aspects.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 30/1/99
A continuing mild SW airflow overnight and into Saturday with 
accompanying light rain is not expected to significantly stabilise 
the existing snowpack. Wet snow avalanches are likely on steep 
N, E and SE aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3). Remaining cornices prone to collapse.
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Cover remaining at around 650m
ICING: Freezing level staying at 1400m
COMMENT: Mild conditions continuing.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 29/1/99 
The rise in temperature has left the surface layers of the
snowpack moist but unstable layers some which contain hail are
still present deeper within the snowpack. Above 800m on steep N
through to E  facing slopes, corrie headwalls and in sheltered
gullies, deep soft slab is moderately to weakly bonded. The
avalanche hazard in these areas is Considerable (Category 3).
Cornices are becoming unstable and prone to collaspe.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 30/1/99
Remaining mild with light rain at all levels. The snowpack will 
continue to consolidate albeit slowly.  Layered unstable slab will 
still exist in sheltered gullies and on slopes with a N to E aspect 
mainly above 800m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable 
(Category 3) and avalanches are likely on steeper slopes.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 500m.

ICING: Thawing ice above 700m.

COMMENT: Milder conditions will affect the area.


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 29/1/99
Thaw conditions with some light rain have left the snowpack 
moist at most levels. On N to SE aspects recent accumulations 
continued to be unstable. Some cornice debris was noted on 
these aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 
3). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 30/1/99
Mild conditions will continue leaving snow soft and moist at all
levels. On N to SE aspects there will be areas of soft wet
unstable snow with remaining cornices prone to collapse and
avalanches likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable
(Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Thawing at all levels but still 
complete above 900m.
ICING: Thawing at all levels.
COMMENT: Rock and ice fall a hazard during thaw conditions.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS FRI 29/1/99 
Very mild temperatures have left a moist snowpack on all 
aspects. Partially bonded wet slab exists on NW through to SE 
aspects above750m. This wet slab contains a number of 
saturated layers which must be considered suspect. A number of 
surface sluffs have occurred and ice is collapsing readily. The 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SAT 30/1/99
Continuing mild temperatures and rain at all levels, mean that 
the snowpack will remain soft and moist. Wet slab will continue 
to be present on NW through to SE aspects above 750m. In 
addition sluffing from steep rock, collapsing ice and an 
increased risk of cornice collapse will occur on any aspect. The 
avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3) with 
avalanches likely on the above mentioned areas.
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Deep cover above 600m, now very 
soft and moist.

ICING: Lots of it, but unfortunately collapsing all around.

COMMENT: Significant hazard of cornice collapse in these very
mild conditions.




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