sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report


Issued at 15.30 hrs. Wednesday 15/12/1999
Some snow showers have occurred in most  Highland mountain areas,
including the Cairngorms, Lochaber and Ross-shire. Accumulations
exist at all levels and are significant on most slope aspects
above 600 metres. Deep unconsolidated snow lies 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, substantial areas of unstable snow are present on
North and North-West facing slopes. Cornice formation has taken
place mainly above North and East facing slopes. Reported
avalanche incidents in Glencoe, Lochaber and Ross-shire indicate
a broad-scale hazard.  Gradually rising temperatures during the
day have caused some stabilisation of the snowpack, but the
existence of areas of instability on most slope aspects maintains
a Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Thursday 16/12/1999
Milder, but still wintry conditions on the hills will bring snow
on strong Westerly winds.  This will cause fresh accumulations,
potentially significant, on slopes mainly of North and East
aspects in most Highland mountain areas.  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 Ross-shire and the North Cairngorms especially on all North
and East facing slopes, particularly scarp slopes and gully heads
above 950 metres.  Slopes of all aspects will exhibit areas of
instability. Avalanches are likely in Lochaber and Glencoe on
slopes of almost any aspect above 850 metres and particularly
above 1000 metres. Cornices, which will be found mainly above
North and East aspects, are likely to be unstable. A Category 3
(Considerable) hazard of avalanche will prevail.



 




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