sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

Snow and Avalanche Report

Issued at 16.45 hrs Tuesday 21/12/1999
Highland mountain areas have had snow showers followed by fine
clear periods. The mainly Southerly winds have  caused  drifting
of recent snow with some windslab build-up on Northerly aspects.
Ross-shire including the Fannichs and Beinn Dearg holds most snow
and presents the most significant avalanche hazard. However, some
slab build-up is evident in Lochaber, the Cairngorms and other
locations.  Old snow-ice still underlies new deposits in many
areas, especially on North and East facing slopes above 850
metres.  The presence of recent accumulations on all Northerly
aspects, particularly in the regions named, gives rise to  a
Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of avalanche.

Avalanche Hazard Outlook Wednesday 22/12/1999
Milder weather with mainly South-Westerly winds will affect
Highland mountain areas during the course of the day.  However,
precipitation will fall as snow on summits and corries above
around 700 metres, adding to the recent accumulations on
Northerly aspects.  Further windslab build-up will occur, with
instabilities present where this is greatest, mainly at the tops
of slopes and gullies with any Northerly orientation, but also on
crag aprons above 850 metres and other locations where new
build-up is significant.  Unstable cornices will build mainly
over North and East facing slopes. These conditions will lead to
a Category 3 (Considerable) hazard of avalanche.

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.  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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