NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 31/12/05
It has been a dry day with very light winds, and summit
temperatures have remained below zero. Yesterday's drifted snow
lies in patches on steep West through North to Easterly aspects
above 1000 metres.  Although these accumulations are localised,
when tested on a steep North-East aspect at 1040 metres some
instability was present within the snowpack. The avalanche hazard
is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 1/1/06
It will remain fairly settled with occasional very light snow on
moderate North-West winds.  The existing snow will continue to
consolidate and lies in isolated patches on steep West through
North to Easterly aspects above 1000 metres.  The avalanche
hazard will be Moderate (Category 2).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Lying mainly above 950 metres
ICING:  Conditions thin making lower grade routes hard, some of
the upper grade buttress routes being done.
COMMENT: Some ski touring potential on the plateau.




LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 31/12/05
Fresh snow overnight has produced further areas of poorly bonded
soft windslab above 1050m. Greatest accumulations exist on steep
North, North-East and East facing gullies and scarp slopes above
1100m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 1/1/06
The freezing level will remain around the summits overnight and
during Sunday. Accumulations of soft unconsolidated windslab will
be present, greatest accumulations being on steep North,
North-East and East facing gullies and scarp slopes above 1100m.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Moist snowpack at all levels and wet below
1000m.
ICING: Freezing level remaining around the summits.
COMMENT: Little change in next 24 hours.



GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 31/12/05
Mild conditions and Southerly winds have left the snowpack
moist at most levels. Above 900m the Southerly winds and new 
snow have formed some deeper accumulations of windslab in 
the more sheltered summit gullies and on slopes mainly with a 
North-West to North-Easterly aspect. Where these deeper
accumulations lie on steeper slopes bonding is poor. The
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3)

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 1/1/06
Precipitation will mainly be light rain with the possibility of
wet snow showers on the highest slopes. Freezing level will be
around 1100m with North-West winds. The snowpack will remain
moist at most levels. Where deeper accumulations of snow exist in
summit gullies and on steep North-West to North-Easterly slopes
above 900 metres, bonding will be poor. The avalanche hazard will
be Considerable (Category 3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 250m but thawing.
ICING: Freezing level 1100 metres.
COMMENT: Snow on ridges and buttresses offers best
climbing.  *** HAPPY NEW YEAR ***



SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 31/12/05
With the rise in temperatures most recent deposits are
consolidating well. Drier moderately bonded snow can be found in
the deeper accumulations that exist in sheltered locations on
mainly W to N aspects above 800 metres. The avalanche hazard is
Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 1/1/06
There will be a trace of fresh snow overnight on the summits
before milder conditions return during the day. The recent snow
will continue to consolidate and will demonstrate good stability
on all aspects with a thaw taking place at lower elevations.
Deeper snow will be found in sheltered locations on W to N
aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Low (Category 1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: A thin general cover with some 
deeper drifts in places.
ICING: Still very limited on the crags.
COMMENT: Despite a light covering of snow Lochnagar is 
still looking thin.


CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 31/12/05
A steady thaw throughout the day has resulted in some
consolidation of the recent storm snowfall.  Although some
moderate shears were still evident within surface layers, the
period of highest instability has now passed.  The avalanche
hazard is Low (Category 1).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 1/1/06
The steady thaw will continue overnight and through Sunday.
Occasional light rain or snow will bring little change to the
current conditions and the snowpack will continue to consolidate.
The avalanche hazard will remain Low (Category 1).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Light general cover to valley floor,
disappearing with the steady thaw conditions.
ICING: Ice continuing to develop.  Crags still generally
plastered from recent snow.
COMMENT: Reasonable winter walking conditions with increasing NW
winds over summits during Sunday.




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