sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report


Issued at 16.45 hrs. Tuesday 14/12/1999
Heavy snow showers have affected most  Highland mountain areas,
including the North Cairngorms, Lochaber and Ross-shire although
showers have been less frequent in the South Cairngorms.
Accumulations exist at all levels and have become significant on
most slope aspects above 600 metres. Walking is difficult, with
deep snow in many places.  Above 850 metres, slab layers are
underlain by old snow-ice, especially on North and North-East
aspects.  In most areas, recent North and Easterly winds have led
to build-up on South and West facing slopes, but in the
Cairngorms, particularly the North Cairngorms, South-East winds
have created substantial areas of unstable snow on mainly North
and North-West facing slopes.  Cornice formation has taken place
mainly above North and East facing slopes, notably in Torridon.
The existence of areas of instability on most slope aspects leads
to a Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Wednesday 15/12/1999
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. Avalanches are likely in the North Cairngorms
especially on North-West and North facing slopes.  Slopes of all
aspects will exhibit areas of instability.  Avalanches are likely
in Lochaber on slopes of almost any aspect above 850 metres and
particularly above 1000 metres.  Cornices, which are to be found
above many slope aspects, are likely to be unstable.  A Category 3
(Considerable) hazard of avalanche will prevail.



 




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