CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/1/99
Mild temperatures over the last 24 hours, with the freezing level 
well above the summits, have continued to consolidate the 
snowpack, leaving it generally well bonded and stable. Areas of 
wet slab are still present on steep NW through to SE slopes 
above 750m and here the snowpack is only moderately bonded. 
The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2) but remaining 
cornices are still very unstable and prone to collapse.
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/2/99
Slightly colder temperatures tonight will be followed by mild 
conditions again tomorrow.  The snowpack will continue to 
consolidate and will be moderately well bonded on steep N 
through to SE aspects above 800m and generally stable in other 
areas. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2) but 
be wary of any remaining cornices and collapsing ice.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 700m, still good 
for ski touring and gully skiing.

ICING: Plenty of ice remaining, but soft in the mild conditions. 
However if it freezes..

COMMENT: A balmy day on Creag Meagaidh, deck chairs and 
knotted hankies essential.



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GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/1/99 
Colder conditions overnight led to firm snow around the 
summits this a.m. Rising temperatures today have caused the 
snowpack to soften again. On steep slopes facing N to E above 
600m and in summit gullies the snowpack is moderately 
bonded. Large cornices are unstable. The avalanche hazard is 
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/2/99
The consolidating snowpack will remain soft and moist at all 
levels in the continuing mild conditions. Light rain will further 
weaken unstable cornices which will be prone to collapse, 
triggering avalanches. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate 
(Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 500m.
ICING: Thawing ice above 700m.
COMMENT: Freezing level above summits, ice falling from 
buttresses.



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LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/1/99 
A slight freeze thaw cycle overnight has lead to a consolidation 
in the snowpack. Areas of moderately bonded snow and 
unstable cornices are present at the tops of steep slopes and 
gullies with a N, NE and E aspect. In these locations the 
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Remaining 
cornices unstable.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/2/99
A continuing freeze thaw cycle overnight and into Mon is 
expected to slowly consolidate the existing snowpack. Areas of 
moderately bonded snow will be present at the tops of steep 
slopes and gullies with a N, NE and E aspect. In these locations 
the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).  Remaining 
cornices unstable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Cover remaining at around 750m
ICING:  Freezing level lowering to around 1200 overnight, 
rising to above the summits during Monday.
COMMENT: Mild and settled conditions set to continue.



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NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/1/99 
Radiation re-crystallization has again stabilised the snowpack in 
most locations. Sun-exposed E to S aspects became moist and 
softer after midday but all shaded N-facing slopes and gullies 
were hard and/or crusty. The large, collapse-prone cornices over 
steep E to SE locations again gave cause for concern during the 
afternoon. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1) but 
cornices remain unstable in the places specified. Falling ice 
observed on Hell's Lum crag before 1100hrs.
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/2/99
Little change is expected in current weather until late Monday 
when some light drizzle is possible. A freeze/thaw cycle will 
further stabilise the snowpack in all locations and the surface 
layers will soften as temperatures rise. General snowpack 
stability will remain good but the cornices that remain over E to 
SE aspects should still be given a wide berth, especially after 
midday. Low (Category 1) hazard of avalanche. 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Classic, spring-like ski-touring with 
a good wide coverage and corn snow in late morning. 
ICING: Melt water and rotten ice on some routes. Crusty 
snow/ice in most N-facing gullies. N.Corries busy.
COMMENT: Blue sky day again on Sunday.




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SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 31/1/99 
Melt freeze conditions have left the majority of the snowpack 
firm and icy with a few areas of soft snow left. Snow gradually 
softened by the sun presented no great hazard but some cornices 
continue to threaten slopes on N to SE aspects. The avalanche 
hazard is Moderate (Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 1/2/99
*

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still good above 900m although 
some areas becoming thin. 
ICING: Footpaths and tracks appear to have most of it!
COMMENT:  
 


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