NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 21/2/00 There is over a metre of snow on the old crust. This gave easy shears in the top 20 centimetres. New avalanche crownwall reported on an ESE facing slope at 1070 metres, Feith Buidhe. Above 800 metres the snow accumulation in starting zones is the greatest so far this winter with some locations having 4 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 22/2/00 The snowpack will continue its slow process of stabilization in the cool temperatures. Generally stability is fair but in some locations the snowpack is poorly bonded and will be easily triggered. Only very light snow showers are expected but wind transport is still a significant factor on North and East aspects. On these aspects above 800 metres avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Cooler temperatures have seen little attrition in the snow cover which is shifting around with the winds. ICING: New ice forming slowly from light seepage at the ground. COMMENT: There is potential for large avalanches with deep crowns and long fracture lines. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 21/2/00 A short period of warmer temperatures overnight has helped stabilise the snowpack below 1000 metres. Above this altitude, fresh unstable windslab has formed, mainly on NE, E and SE facing scarp slopes and at the tops of gullies. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Avalanche debris observed above 1100 metres on E aspects of Aonach Mor. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 22/2/00 Snow showers and strong Southerly winds will affect the area on Tuesday. Fresh windslab development will take place in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will be at the tops of N, NE and E facing slopes and gullies. Where accumulations are significant, the avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Unconsolidated snow remains in many corries. ICING: Remaining reasonably cold through out. COMMENT: Old snow remains frozen and stable. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 21/2/00 Cold conditions have consolidated and stabilised much of the old snowpack. New snow and Westerly winds have formed deep deposits of unstable windslab in sheltered gullies and on slopes with a NE to SE aspect above 800 metres. Where this windslab lies on steeper slopes the avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Fresh avalanche debris observed below similar slopes today. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 22/2/00 Strong winds winds overnight and on Tuesday will continue to form unstable windslab in sheltered locations. Greatest accumulations will form on NW through N to E facing slopes and in sheltered gullies above 800 metres. Rising temperatures later on Tuesday will maintain the avalanche hazard Considerable (Category 3). Avalanches are likely on steeper slopes where deep windslab exists. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow cover above 400m. ICING: Ice on rocks above 400m. COMMENT: Conditions have improved but milder later on Tuesday.Windslab will require great caution. Ridges and buttresses the safer option, but strong winds a consideration. Cornices will become prone to collapse. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 21/2/00 Snow showers and heavy drifting are loading substantial accumulations on to NE to SE aspects. Snowpack stability is poor with isolated blocks at the pit site repeatedly failing on approach at around 60cm depth. Avalanche debris was noted on a number of E and SE aspects where the avalanche hazard was High (Category 4). Exposed slopes are being scoured. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 22/2/00 A change in the wind direction will begin to redistribute snow onto NE through to E aspects. Deeper unstable accumulations will be found mainly on N to E aspects where avalanches are likely. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Large unstable cornices will threaten slopes below. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Reasonable cover from around 650 metres with best cover on N to SE aspects. ICING: Variable in quality, sheltered buttresses holding lots of unconsolidated snow, turf frozen. COMMENT: Excellent conditions for ski touring. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS MON 21/2/00 Snow showers fell overnight on a fresh Westerly wind, causing deep accumulations of unstable windslab to form on sheltered slopes of a North through East to South-East aspect above 800 metres. Fresh cornices have begun to rebuild above the same aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK TUE 22/2/00 It will remain cold and relatively calm overnight maintaining the current snow conditions. Deep accumulations of unstable windslab will persist on sheltered slopes of a North through East to South-East aspect above 800 metres. Later a change in wind direction accompanied by snow showers will cause drifting on to North-West aspects also. The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels. Excellent ski touring conditions. ICING: Still little improvement. There is too much snow on the cliffs. COMMENT: One of the best days of the season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------