sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report


Issued at 16.45 hrs. Saturday 11/12/1999
Most Highland mountain areas, including the Cairngorms, Lochaber
and Ross-shire have seen some fresh overnight snowfall down to
600 metres. Substantial patches of old snow exist in most areas
down to below 300 metres. The Cairngorms still hold most snow,
with main accumulations on North and East facing slopes above 850
metres.  There has been some stabilisation of windslab deposits
on all aspects, but South-Easterly winds and frequent snow
showers in most areas have added to accumulations on North and
West facing slopes, which now are the main hazard areas. However,
gully tops, plateau rims and crag aprons, particularly where old
snow-ice underlies and potentially on any aspect, have localised
pockets of instability. These conditions present a Category 3
(Considerable) hazard of avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Sunday 12/12/1999
Continuing wintry conditions, with some snow showers, will bring
a little new accumulation  on mainly South and Westerly aspects.
Where this lies on older slab or snow-ice layers, surface
instabilities will be present.  Existing areas of instability on
North and East facing slopes above 850 metres in many areas, but
principally Lochaber and the Cairngorms, will still constitute a
hazard.  Any cornices, which are to be found mainly above some
North and East aspects, are likely to be unstable.  A Category 3
(Considerable) hazard of avalanche will prevail.





 




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