NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 4/3/06 There have been snow showers on moderate Northerly winds. Drifting at higher altitudes has led to further windslab development on South-East to South-West aspects. On these aspects above 1000 metres a surface layer of firm slab lies on a soft sub-surface layer. When tested on an Easterly aspect at 1120 metres many weakly bonded layers were noted. The avalanche hazard is High (Category 4). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 5/3/06 Very cold temperatures and snow showers are to continue on strong North-Westerly winds. Drifting will lead to new accumulations of windslab forming on the already unstable snowpack. Avalanches will occur on many steep slopes above 600 metres. East through South to South-West aspects will be especially affected. However many Northerly aspects also have substantial loading. The avalanche hazard will be High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Becoming windblown on exposed slopes above 1000m. Elsewhere very deep snow and hard going. ICING: Temperatures remaining cold. COMMENT: The snows of yesteryear...are here. LOCHABER AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 4/3/06 Today North-Westerly winds and snow showers, some heavy this afternoon, have affected the area. Unstable windslab has accumulated on steep East to South aspects above 950 metres. Scarp slopes, crag aprons and sheltered gullies in particular are affected. Weak facetted crystals are present within the snowpack in these same locations. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 5/3/06 The North-Westerly winds and snow showers will continue overnight and during Sunday, causing unstable windslab to accumulate on lee slopes, weakening the snowpack affected by facetted crystals further. Avalanches are likely on steep slopes with an East to South aspect above 950 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). Unstable cornices will also be present above these aspects. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Mainly above 600m. ICING: Freezing temperatures continue. COMMENT: Lots of climbers and skiers on the mountains today. GLENCOE AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 4/3/06 Cold West to North-Westerly winds with isolated light snow showers have affected the area today. Much of the snowpack is stable but deeper accumulations of soft slab and shallow fresh windslab exist in sheltered locations. These areas are mainly in sheltered summit gullies and scarp slopes with a North-East to Southerly aspect above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 5/3/06 It will remain cold with strong North-Westerly winds and the possibility of snow showers throughout the period. General snowpack stability will be good apart from areas where windslab forms on steeper slopes where bonding will be poor. Unstable accumulations will be greatest in summit gullies and scarp slopes with an East to Southerly aspect mainly above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main cover above 600 metres. ICING: Freezing level 100 metres. Ice and rime forming on higher rocks and paths. COMMENT: Classic ridges and buttresses popular this week. Fresh windslab and corniced areas will require great caution. SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 4/3/06 Overnight new snow and drifting have continued the development of unstable accumulations. Windslab is to be found on many aspects with significant accumulations on E through S to SW aspects above 700 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). Exposed areas are wind scoured. AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 5/3/06 Snow showers and strong winds will produce significant drifting on to E to S aspects. Moderately to weakly bonded windslab will be found on E through S to SW aspects above 700 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category 3) and avalanches are likely in steeper locations. CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Trail breaking required to Lochnagar. Go with lots of mates. Snow shoes were very useful! ICING: Some ice has developed at Lochnagar but the Southern Sector is plastered in snow. Main Corrie has slightly less on buttresses. Crag apron is still semi covered. COMMENT: Allow plenty of time for trailbreaking. CREAG MEAGAIDH AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SAT 4/3/06 There have been persistent snow showers overnight and during the day. Further accumulations of windslab have developed on mostly East-North-East to Southerly aspects, which overlie poorly bonded base layers. Widespread near surface new snow instabilities exist and where recent deposits achieved depths greater than 20 cms easy shears were obtained on many slopes above 850 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3). AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK SUN 5/3/06 There will be further snow showers with cold temperatures persisting overnight and during the day. In the fresh North- West winds additional windslab will continue to load on to East- North-East to South aspects and in steep gully exits and around corrie rims. Where development is greatest, avalanches will occur. The avalanche hazard will increase to High (Category 4). CLIMBING CONDITIONS SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Not great at lower elevations. ICING: Still some way to go but improving. COMMENT: Sorry to keep wingeing but we haven't had nearly as much snow as our friends further East. If ski touring is your game be prepared still for long carries to upper slopes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------