sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report

Issued at 16.30 hrs Saturday 18/12/1999
Snow showers, mostly light, have occurred in the morning and
early afternoon in most Northern mountain areas, from the
Cairngorms and Lochaber to Glencoe. However, Easter Ross,
including Ben Wyvis, has seen significant recent snowfalls.
Elsewhere, snow build-up has not generally been significant, but
late heavy snow showers have caused accumulations at all levels
in Torridon. Northerly winds are causing fresh deposits on
mainly South-East to South-West facing slopes.  In most areas,
other aspects are generally stable, with only isolated areas of
instability in higher locations.  The new accumulations in
Ross-shire lead to a Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of
avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Sunday 19/12/1999
Very cold conditions, with North to 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, the Cairngorms and Ross-shire will continue to present
localised hazard.  Where accumulations are greatest, mainly in
Ross-shire, a Category 3 (Considerable) avalanche hazard will
exist.

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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