Walkers and climbers will still have to evaluate avalanche risk if they are venturing on to Scotland's mountains
Daily avalanche forecasts ended for Scotland on a weekend when four of the five areas covered had high risks on various slope aspects.
For the rest of the winter, the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service will issue only weekend reports.
The service advised walkers and climbers taking to the Scottish mountains through the week to note snow and weather conditions and consider changing plans if necessary.
The SAIS reports for Saturday, the final daily forecast, showed Glencoe, Lochaber, the southern Cairngorms and Creag Meagaidh areas all had a high avalanche risk on high ground on northern slopes. In the northern Cairngorms, the risk was considerable.
The next report will be produced on Friday. The SAIS, which receives Scottish Government funding, said: “Future forecast provision requirements will be assessed on an ongoing basis according to weather and snowpack conditions and other factors.
“Avalanche hazard considerations should always be part of any winter hillgoers’ daily plans and we would recommend that climbers, walkers and off-piste skiers currently venturing into the hills, continue to note snow and weather conditions in respect of any potential avalanche hazard.
“Be prepared to modify your plans accordingly.”
Eight people have died in avalanches on the Scottish mountains this winter. Last year, the daily avalanche reports were ended prematurely in March due to a lack of snow.
