NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/2/99 
The snowpack is generally well consolidated and stable with 
surface layers becoming moist during the current mild 
conditions. As with all thaw periods, cornices are best avoided, 
particularly above steep E to SE gully tops where largest 
cornices remain. Avalanche hazard remains Low (Category 1).
 
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK  WED 3/2/99
Snow overnight turning to rain, accompanied by strong SW to W
winds will result in a period of instability of newest deposits.
Loose wet snow slides from these deposits are likely, primarily
on steep NE to E facing aspects, where greatest accumulations
have developed. Avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3) in
these locations.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Remains reasonable in plateau areas 
despite diminishing with thaw conditions.
ICING: Buttresses now black. Ice still in deepest recesses. 
Quality very variable. 
COMMENT: Surface instabilities from newest deposits with 
the arrival of any rain.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/2/99 
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 WED 3/2/99
Light snow showers are expected briefly overnight and a return 
to very mild conditions again by Wednesday morning. 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 snow cover above 750m.
ICING: A brief cold spell expected overnight and a return to 
mild conditions during Wednesday.
COMMENT: Gusty winds expected during Wednesday.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/2/99
A warm blustery SW airflow has rendered the snowpack soft 
and moist at all levels. Though generally well bonded, areas of 
moderately bonded wet slab exist in summit gullies and on steep 
corrie headwalls facing N to E. In these areas the avalanche 
hazard is Moderate (Category 2). Cornices remain unstable in 
the mild conditions.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/2/99
The mild conditions will persist with rain well above the 
summits. The snowpack will remain soft and moist at all levels. 
Large cornices will become very unstable with the potential of 
triggering avalanches on slopes below. In summit gullies 
containing deep wet slab the avalanche hazard will be 
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 550m.

ICING: Thawing ice above 750m.

COMMENT: Freezing level well above summits: ice falling
from buttresses. 



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/2/99 
Snow conditions remain much the same as recent days with the 
snow firm and stable on all aspects. Where cornices remain they 
continue to be a hazard. The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 
1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/2/99
After some overnight light snow, rising freezing levels and light
rain will continue to thaw the snowpack at all levels. On
sheltered slopes of N to E aspects where accumulations are
greatest they will be moderately well bonded. Remaining cornices
will be prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate
(Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still good above 900m although 
starting thin out in some areas.
ICING: Any ice is a little wet and starting to soften.
COMMENT: Likely to be quite windy on the tops.
 


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 2/2/99
With temperatures remaining mild the snowpack has continued to
consolidate and is generally well bonded and stable. 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 are also prone to collapse.
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 3/2/99
With the freezing level well above the summits, light rain and
severe storm force westerly winds the snowpack will continue to
consolidate tomorrow. However additional amounts of moisture may
cause wet snow slides on steep slopes of a NW through to S aspect
above 800m and will weaken any remaining cornices. 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 750m, although 
becoming patchy on some aspects.
ICING: Plenty of ice still, thawing at the moment but may 
improve as temperatures fall later in the week.
COMMENT: Cornice collapse can trigger avalanches - beware 
of run out zones!




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------