Scottish avalanche warning service is back up and running
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The vital avalanche risk service for hillwalkers and climbers has re-started.
And already people have been warned of winter conditions and early avalanche risk on the hills.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) season got under way today with warnings of drifting snow and "unstable windslab".
Every winter, SAIS assesses avalanche hazards and provides daily information on the stability of snowpack in the six mountain areas.
The areas are Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, Northern Cairngorms, Lochaber, Glen Coe and Torridon.
In an update just before starting this winter's full forecast, SAIS said:"Unstable windslab will develop in wind sheltered locations on mainly South-Easterly through Westerly, through Northerly to Easterly aspects above 800 meters. Accumulations of deeper snow in wind sheltered places around gully tops, corrie rims and scarp slopes will be especially affected.
"Here, any accumulations could be triggered by human activity with avalanche releases possible.
"When planning your trips check the weather forecasts for snow fall, freezing levels and wind directions, especially noting lee aspects where winds will deposit fresh snow and windslab. When travelling in the mountains be alert to areas of recent accumulation and be prepared to alter your plans accordingly."
Despite one of the lowest totals of snow slides in the history of the SAIS, the first avalanche deaths in three years were recorded on the country's mountains last season.
Three climbers died on Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain.
Raphael Aymon, Cédric Ravimet and Adrien Robez-Masson, from France and Switzerland were killed in Number 5 Gully on Ben Nevis on March 12.
The SAIS season usually runs until mid-April. The forecast is at https://www.sais.gov.uk/
