NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 11/2/99 Slightly milder conditions throughout the period with a slow thaw at lower elevations have resulted in a consolidation of the overall snowpack. On some steep slopes, primarily of an E to SE aspect above 1000m localised instabilities of newest deposits still exist. Cornices over gullies in these aspects still remain and a Considerable (Category 3) hazard of avalanche prevails in these locations. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 12/2/99 Some light snow overnight on fresh SW winds becoming WSW during the day will turn to rain at all elevations for a time. This thaw if accompanied by rain will see a period of high instability of all recent deposits. Avalanches will occur in all locations where newest deposits become moistened. Cornices also will become unstable, particularly largest ones above E to SE facing slopes and gullies. Avalanche hazard High (Category 4) CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow still at all levels. Good in plateau areas. ICING: Fluctuating temperatures will help long term build up. Thaw forecast at all levels for Friday. COMMENT: Poorest stability only expected if milder temperatures are accompanied by rain. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 11/2/99 Localised areas of unstable soft windslab are present, mainly on sheltered slopes and the tops of gullies. Greatest accumulations are on E, SE and S facing aspects above 800m. In these localised areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Large areas of stable snow-ice present on many aspects. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 12/2/99 Snow turning to rain is expected at all levels overnight. Localised areas of unstable snow will remain; greatest accumulations will be at the top of steep slopes and gullies with a NE through to S aspect. In these localised areas the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). By Friday afternoon, cold, dry conditions will stabilise the snowpack. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations above 700m. ICING: Freezing level rising above the summits overnight. Lowering to 900m by Friday afternoon. COMMENT: Milder conditions remaining. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 11/2/99 Milder conditions than of late have not significantly altered the snowpack which remains generally firm and stable. Exposed slopes with a N aspect are wind scoured and very icy. Pockets of windslab containing hail exist on sheltered NE to S facing slopes above 750m. Layered soft slab lying in summit gullies is weakly bonded. In these localised areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 12/2/99 Southwesterly winds with snow turning to rain at all levels overnight will initially form deposits of windslab on N to E facing slopes and in sheltered gullies mainly above 800m. Avalanches are likely in these areas as the snow turns to rain. Stability will improve with a return to lower temperatures during the course of the day. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) where windslab forms. Elsewhere the snowpack will become softer but will remain generally stable. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 650m. ICING: Ice on rocks above 300m. COMMENT: Hazard of falling rocks and ice during thaw period. Becoming colder during day. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 11/2/99 Snow is beginning to soften with the arrival of slightly milder conditions. Although showing signs of improved bonding, stability tests revealed easy shears on E to SE aspects above 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) for these aspects with other slopes scoured and stable. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 12/2/99 After some light snow thaw conditions will continue to soften the snowpack at all levels. Recent deposits on E to SE aspects will remain weakly bonded with any cornices soft and unstable. Here the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely. Other aspects will remain scoured and stable. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Some plateau areas scoured but ski touring still possible. ICING: Subject to thaw. COMMENT: A good day with plenty of spring snow skiing. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 11/2/99 Very light snowfall on Westerly winds has added slightly to the existing localised areas of soft windslab found on NE through to SE aspects above 800m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3) where this slab is present. On most other slopes the snowpack is still well consolidated and stable, though softening at lower levels in the rising temperatures. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 12/2/99 A mild SouthWesterly airflow will cross the area over the next 24 hours bringing light snow around dawn, rain for a time tomorrow, then light snow again later. With the freezing level rising to around 1500m there will be a possibility of wet sluffs occurring where accumulations of windslab are lying. These areas are localised to NE through to SE aspects above 800m, and here the avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3). Fresh cornices above these aspects will become unstable as temperatures rise. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 750m. Good neve on most slopes, a little softer today. ICING: Still very good, possibly dribbling a bit tomorrow. COMMENT: Looks set to thaw for weekend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------