CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 26/12/99 Snow showers on a moderate W wind have continued to build deep deposits of very unstable windslab in the tops of steep sheltered gullies and hollows on N through E to SE aspects above 800m. In other areas colder temperatures have helped stabilise the snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3), with unstable cornices above steep N through E to SE aspects. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 27/12/99 Snow and hail showers on a strong W wind throughout the period will further build accumulations of unstable windslab at the tops of steep sheltered gullies hollows on N through E to SE aspects above 800m. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely in these areas. Cornices will remain unstable. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Good cover at all levels, hard work on foot. ICING: Probably is some but there's a lot of snow about! COMMENT: Excellent ski-touring conditions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 26/12/99 Heavy snow showers overnight and during Sunday, with strong WSW winds, have produced large areas of unstable windslab in many sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations are on sheltered N, NE, E and SE aspects above 700m. In these locations the avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). Unstable cornices present. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 27/12/99 The heavy snow showers and W winds are expected to continue overnight and during Monday. Large areas of unstable windslab will continue to form in many sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be on sheltered N, NE, E and SE aspects above 700m, particularly on scarp slopes, crag aprons and gullies. Avalanches will occur in these locations. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Unstable cornices will continue to form above these locations. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Fresh snow lying down to 150m ICING: Windblown slopes hard frozen COMMENT: Large areas of unstable snow present. Extreme caution required. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 26/12/99 New snow above 300m has drifted into all sheltered areas.The snowpack is generally soft at all levels with the greatest accumulations being in N to E facing corries and in sheltered gullies above 800m. On steep slopes in these locations areas of deep unstable windslab exists. In these areas the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 27/12/99 Further snow deposits and hail at most levels with strong Westerly winds can be expected overnight and during Monday. This will continue to form areas of unstable snow and windslab above 600m on sheltered ground facing N through to SE. Where deeper accumulations of windslab form on steep slopes and in gullies avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Cornices will be prone to collapse. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: New snow above 300m. ICING: Ice re-forming above 500m. COMMENT: Areas of deep unconsolidated snow require great caution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 26/12/99 Calmer, colder conditions overnight have started to consolidate the previously unstable snowpack. Areas of deep unconsolidated snow still exist in sheltered locations and gullies on W through to NE aspects above 850m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 27/12/99 Overnight snow showers continuing through the day on W winds will lead to further accumulations on N to E aspects. Where this overlies firmer snow and existing unstable areas, particularly on steep and scarp slopes avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Reasonable cover above 800m with some scouring and firm wind ridges in exposed areas. ICING: Reforming, but covered in fresh snow. COMMENT: Freezing level will be around 250m ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 26-12-99 Wind shift from South to West has redistributed snow and extended the slab to include East aspects as well as the previously loaded Northerly slopes. The mid and basal snowpack layers are reasonably strong. There is no evidence yet of faceting in the near surface layers. Large avalanche debris from cornice trigger was observed in Coire Laogh Mor. Avalanche hazard is Category 3 (Considerable). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 27-12-99 Some natural stabilization took place during the peak of the wind event. On steep (40-50 degree) convex terrain the storm load will be easily triggered, particularly on North through East aspects above 850 metres. Avalanches are likely in these areas. The avalanche hazard will be Category 3 (Considerable). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Windward slopes are well scoured. Snow height in deposition zones was measured at over 4 metres. ICING: Extensive rime and glazed surface on wind exposed aspects. In the lee, ski penetration is from 2-20 centimetres. COMMENT: Special care and route selection onto the exit slopes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------