sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report


Issued at 14.45 hrs. Monday 13/12/1999
Cold and clear conditions have again prevailed through most of
the day, leading to some stabilisation of recent windslab
deposits.In most Highland mountain areas, including the
Cairngorms, Lochaber and Ross-shire, the snowline lies between
500 and 600 metres although substantial patches of old snow exist
in most areas down to below 300 metres. Accumulations have become
significant on most slope aspects above 850 metres, although some
East facing slopes are wind-scoured. Reported avalanche activity
over the past two days confirms the broad-scale nature of
conditions, with surface slab releases noted on North-East and
East aspects above 900 metres in Lochaber and central Ross-shire.
Some cornice formation has taken place above mainly East and West
facing slopes. The existence of pockets of instability on most
slope aspects leads to a Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of
avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Tuesday 14/12/1999
Continuing wintry conditions, with snow on Northerly winds will
cause fresh accumulations on Southerly aspects in all main
mountain ranges. Surface instabilities will be present above 850
metres on these aspects and avalanches are likely in areas of
greatest build-up. West-facing slopes above 850 metres,
principally in Lochaber and particularly gully tops with any
Westerly aspect, will remain suspect.  North and East facing
slopes will retain pockets of instability. Cornices, which are to
be found above mainly Easterly and Westerly aspects, are likely
to be unstable.  A Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of avalanche
will prevail.



 




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