sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report

Issued at 16.00 hrs. Tuesday 7/12/1999
New snowfall overnight and during the day has taken place in most
Highland ranges. The effective snowline varies from about 600
metres in areas such as  Wester Ross to 300 metres in the
Northern Cairngorm area, which has had the most appreciable
falls.  Lochaber and Glencoe have been less affected. Main
accumulations in most ranges are still in  corries above 900
metres. The avalanche hazard has become Category 2 (Moderate),
mainly on North and East facing slopes above 850 metres and
particularly in the Cairngorms. Localised remnants of old
snow-ice underlie the new slab in these high locations.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Wednesday 8/12/1999
Fluctuating temperatures and new snow on the higher tops will
spread Eastwards across the Highlands.  This will lead to some
new slab build-up on higher North and Easterly aspects,
mostly above 900 metres. Some significant accumulations
will exist, and there will be drifting in strong winds.
Instabilities will be present where new accumulations are
greatest on steep mainly North and Easterly aspects, especially
where re-frozen old snow underlies. A Category 3 (Considerable)
hazard of avalanche will prevail in these localised areas,
particularly in the Cairngorms.




 




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