sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report

Issued at 15.00 hrs Thursday 16/12/1999
A few snow showers have occurred in most Highland mountain areas
without adding much to existing accumulations.  There has been
some stabilisation of existing layers due to a gradual
temperature rise.  However, strong Westerly winds have caused
heavy drifting above 700 metres, resulting in new slab build-up
on all North and East aspects. The Cairngorms and Lochaber have
substantial snow cover above 600 metres and hard slab exists in
Glencoe on North-West through North-East facing slopes.
Ross-shire also has significant accumulations and Skye has some
cover of loose snow with reasonable ice in higher locations.  The
existence of areas of windslab on most slope aspects above 850
metres in most mountain areas gives rise to a Category 3
(Considerable) hazard of avalanche.  Deep snow still makes
approaches laborious in many areas.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Friday 17/12/1999
Snow showers, some heavy, along with very strong Northerly winds
will add to accumulations on all Southerly aspects.  Gully tops
of any aspect may also see substantial build-up.  Existing
unstable deposits on most slope aspects above 850 metres in
Glencoe, Lochaber, Creag Meagaidh and the Cairngorms will
continue to present a hazard.  Avalanches are likely in all of
the above locations.  Some wind-scouring of the snowpack on
North-facing slopes will occur, but areas of instability will
still exist, particularly on crag aprons.  A Category 3
(Considerable) avalanche hazard will prevail.

Note:  This interim format for the Snow and Avalanche Report will
continue until 23/12/1999, when the usual format of five
individual Reports will resume.  In response to enquiries, the
interim Reports are created at SAIS base, using automated data
gathering and computer-assisted forecasting, along with input
from informants in various areas and feedback from the public.
Overall confidence rating for Report outlook section 75-80%.











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