NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 18-1-00
Continuous heavy drizzle has moistened and largely stabilised 
surface layers of the snowpack.  Moderate shear tests were 
obtained on a South-East aspect at 1100 metres.  The avalanche 
hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 19-1-00
Colder conditions will re-freeze the snowpack above 800 
metres.  A few light snow showers on North-Westerly winds 
will lead to some build-up on South-East aspects, but this is not 
likely to be significant.  Most cornices have already collapsed.  
The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still substantial accumulations in 
corries and on plateaux above 850 metres.
ICING: Improving with return to colder conditions.
COMMENT: Prospect of better snow conditions.

 


LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 18/1/00
The current mild conditions have generally consolidated the 
existing snowpack. Surface instabilities are present in some 
isolated locations on steep aspects exposed to solar radiation. 
The avalanche hazard is Low (Category 1). Large unstable 
cornices present. 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 19/1/00
Little change is expected during the forecast period. The 
snowpack will remain generally stable at all levels. Surface 
instabilities will be present in some isolated locations on steep 
aspects exposed to solar radiation. The avalanche hazard will be 
Low (Category 1). Large unstable cornices will remain.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations in N and E 
facing corries above 800m
ICING: Large areas of snow ice remain in areas sheltered from 
solar radiation.
COMMENT: Hazard of falling ice and rocks on steep ground.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 18/1/00
Cold conditions overnight have left the snowpack generally firm 
and stable. Icy crusts exist on windward W to N slopes. Slopes 
with a sunny aspect contain areas of soft wet slab. Cornices 
above SE to E facing slopes are particularly unstable. As 
temperatures rise snow in summit gullies becomes less stable. The
avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 19/1/00
Rain overnight and during Wednesday will make the snowpack 
soft and moist at all levels. Remaining cornices will be very 
unstable and prone to collapse. Soft slab lying on steep N to E 
facing corrie headwalls and in summit gullies will be potentially 
unstable. Elsewhere the snowpack will be soft but generally 
stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Wet snow above 650m.

ICING: Thawing ice above 700m.

COMMENT: Beware of falling cornices!
 


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 18/1/00
Snow continues to steadily thaw at all levels. A few areas of wet 
snow exist on steeper slopes but otherwise the snowpack is soft 
and well bonded. Remaining cornices are threatening to 
collapse. Rock and ice fall also continue to be a hazard. The 
avalanche hazard is Moderate 
(Category 2).    

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 19/1/00
As the thaw gives way to colder conditions during the day the 
snowpack will begin to refreeze above 900 metres. Snow will 
gradually become well bonded but some areas may remain 
softer for a while. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 
1). Remaining cornices will continue to be a hazard until 
refrozen.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Becoming patchy, most amounts in 
N to E corries.
ICING: Continuing to thaw but will begin to refreeze later on 
Tuesday.
COMMENT: Touring remains reasonable on Plateau areas.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS TUE 18/1/00
Continuing mild temperatures today have generally helped to 
stabilise the snowpack. Moderately well bonded windslab does 
remain however on North through East to South aspects above 
800 metres, and here the avalanche hazard is Moderate 
(Category 2). Large cornices remain above many North through 
East to South-East aspects and these are very unstable and prone 
to collapse.

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK WED 19/1/00
Slightly colder temperatures tommorrow will have a general 
stabilising affect on the existing snowpack. However patches of
moderately well bonded windslab remain on steep North 
through East to South aspects above 800 metres and in these 
areas the avalanche hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Still plenty above 700 metres; gullies,
hollows and N and E facing slopes are holding the most.
ICING: Main accumulations still hanging on; running with
water though.
COMMENT:




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