sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report

Issued at 14.00 hrs Friday 17/12/1999
A sudden overnight thaw with rain up to the highest summits,
leading to an episode of extreme snow instability, has been
followed by an equally rapid re-freeze.  This has resulted in a
marked stabilisation of pre-existing accumulations on all slope
aspects.  In the course of the day, snow showers, mostly fairly
light, have continued in most Highland mountain areas.  As yet,
build-up is not significant, but Northerly winds are causing some
fresh deposits on mainly South-East to South-West facing slopes.
Other aspects are generally stable, with only isolated areas of
instability in higher locations.  The overall avalanche hazard is
Category 2 (Moderate).

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Saturday 18/12/1999
Very cold conditions, with North-Westerly winds and snow showers,
will add to accumulations on all Southerly aspects.  Gully tops
of any aspect may also see some build-up. Although most slopes
will be stable with only isolated pockets of unstable snow, South
and East facing locations above 850 metres and particularly above
950 metres in Glencoe, Lochaber, Creag Meagaidh and the
Cairngorms will continue to present localised hazard.  This will
lead to a Category 3 (Considerable) avalanche hazard.

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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