NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 30-12-99
A period of instability passed in the early morning.  
Subsequently, a gradual temperature rise has helped to stabilise 
the snowpack.  Fresh wet snow avalanche debris noted on a 
Northerly aspect at 900 metres, Coire Laogh Mor.  Moderate 
shears were obtained in soft surface layers at the same location.  
The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 31-12-99
Rain and a sharply rising freezing level in the afternoon will 
increase the avalanche hazard. Wet snow avalanches will occur 
on slopes of most aspects, mainly above 850 metres.  Potential 
exists for full-depth slab avalanches.  Cornices will be prone to 
collapse.  The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). 

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Snow still extensive above 200 
metres, with deep accumulations in corries and on plateau. 
ICING:  Climbs need another re-freeze.  
COMMENT:  Skis still the best mode of travel.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 30/12/99
Warmer conditions during Thursday morning have produced 
areas of unstable snow. Main accumulations are on steep N 
through E to SE facing slopes and gullies. Wet unstable snow is 
present below 1000m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable 
(Category 3). Existing cornices are prone to collapse.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 31/12/99
Colder conditions overnight will be replaced by rain at all levels 
on Friday morning. The thaw conditions will produce a period 
of instability. Wet snow avalanches will occur mainly on steep 
slopes and gullies with N, E and SE aspects at any altitude. The 
avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). Remaining cornices 
will be unstable and prone to collapse.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow level will rise during Friday
ICING: Freezing level rising to above the summits on Friday
COMMENT:



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 30/12/99
The snowpack is generally soft and moist with isolated patches 
of harder snow ice. Areas of deep layered soft slab exist in 
hollows and gullies facing N through to SE above 800m. 
Avalanche debris and many smaller sluffs were noted in Coire 
nan Lochan. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 31/12/99
Soaring temperatures on Friday will bring heavy rain to all 
levels. Deep snow in sheltered areas facing N through to SE will 
become very unstable. In locations such as Broad Gully and 
Crowberry basin avalanches will occur. The avalanche hazard 
will be High (Category 4).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 350m.

ICING: Ice above 550m.

COMMENT: Ridges the safer option although conditions wet 
and blustery.



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 30/12/99
A brief thaw has helped to stabilise the snowpack on all aspects. 
Poorest stability was to be found on steeper slopes of E aspects 
above 850m. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).
Where cornices exist they are unstable and threaten slopes 
below.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 31/12/99
Colder, dry conditions overnight will be followed by heavy rain 
and a thaw at all levels. This will destabilise the snowpack on 
all aspects and avalanches will occur. The avalanche hazard will 
be High (Category 4). Cornices will continue to threaten slopes 
below.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow at all levels.
ICING: Subject to thaw at all levels.
COMMENT: Freezing levels above the tops



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS THU 30/12/99
Mild temperatures during the early morning caused a period of 
high instability with spontaneous avalanches occurring. Recent
debris was observed on Carn Liath. Although the temperature 
dropped around midday beginning the process of consolidation, 
a weak layer is still evident. Unstable slab exists in sheltered 
areas on N through E to S aspects above 700m. The avalanche 
hazard is Considerable (Category 3).
  
AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK FRI 31/12/99
It will become colder overnight with relatively calm conditions. 
This will continue to aid the consolidation process. However a 
weak layer evident in the snowpack is likely to persist with 
unstable slab remaining in sheltered areas on N through E to S 
aspects above 700m. Later in the afternoon a sharp rise in 
temperature will increase the risk of cornice collapse. The 
avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels. Difficult going 
underfoot. Plenty for skiing, if a little heavy.

ICING: Quite warm today, so any ice would have been very 
wet. Freeze/ Thaw process looking good over next few days.

COMMENT:




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