NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 1/2/99 
A slow thaw has moistened the snowpack in all locations.
Stability is good in most places though cornices over E to SE
aspects still prone to collapse. Low (Category 1) hazard of
avalanche.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 2/2/99
Steady slow thaw will continue to moisten the snowpack and
stability will remain good in most places. Additional rainfall
will maintain the risk of cornice collapse primarily over steep E
to SE-facing slopes and gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Low
(Category 1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Coverage on all plateaux areas 
remains excellent despite slow thaw.

ICING: Thickest ice development still OK but thinner stuff wet 
and a bit rotten. Buttresses blacker. All popular gullies complete 
and remain well filled (with snow and people!)

COMMENT: Good mountain conditions on Monday; mild 
weather forecast.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 1/2/99 
Mild temperatures are continuing to consolidate the snowpack. The
snowpack is generally stable. On some steep slopes, areas of
moderately well bonded snow are still present. In these locations
the avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Large cornices are
still present, mainly above N, NE and E aspects.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 2/2/99
The mild conditions are expected to continue overnight and during
Tuesday. The snowpack will continue to consolidate at all levels.
Localised areas of moderately bonded snow will remain on steep
slopes. In these locations, the avalanche hazard will be Moderate
(Category 2). Elsewhere the snowpack will be stable. Remaining
cornices will be prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: General cover of wet snow 
remaining above 750m.

ICING: Freezing level remaining above the summits.

COMMENT: Winds increasing during Tuesday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 1/2/99 
Colder conditions overnight have led to a firm snow crust this
morning. Rising temperatures during the day have softened the
snowpack again. Sheltered summit gullies and steep N to E slopes
above 600m contain snow which is moderately bonded and in places
threatened by large unstable cornices. Avalanche hazard Moderate
(Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 2/2/99
Light rain overnight and during Tuesday will render the 
snowpack soft and moist at all levels. Large cornices will 
become very unstable threatening N to E facing slopes and 
summit gullies below. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate 
(Category 2).
 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 550m.

ICING: Thawing ice above 750m.

COMMENT: Freezing level and light rain above summits 
during Tuesday, fingers crossed for a freeze on Wed. ! 



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 1/2/99 
The snowpack continues to be firm and stable at all levels.
Surface layers of the snow have been softened by the sun on E to
SE aspects, as have cornices, which are unstable. The avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 2/2/99
The morning will see snow hard and icy, gradually becoming a little
softer during the day particularly with the arrival of some light 
rain. The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1), but
where cornices exist they will continue to be unstable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Patchy up to around 900m after 
which is good but areas are getting a bit thinner.

ICING: Some ice remains despite warmer air temperatures.

COMMENT: After a cold start the freezing level will be above 
summits.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 1/2/99
With temperatures remaining mild the snowpack has continued to
consolidate and is well bonded and stable on most aspects.
However wet surface layers present on steep N through to SE
slopes above 800m are only moderately well bonded. Remaining
cornices above these slopes are still very unstable and prone to
collapse. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 2/2/99
A moist SW airflow will bring a continuation of the mild
conditions tomorrow, although ground frost is likely tonight.
Patchy rain and drizzle will weaken the bonding of remaining
cornices and surface layers on steep slopes of a NW through to SE
aspect above 800m. In these areas the avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3). Elsewhere the snowpack will be soft
but well bonded and stable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover above 700m, although 
patchy on some aspects.

ICING: Plenty of ice still in Coire Ardair, but soft and falling 
off in the continuing thaw.

COMMENT: Cornice collapse can trigger avalanches, beware 
of run out zones!




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