Date set for Scotland's new avalanche forecasting season

An avalanche forecaster's dog in the Southern Cairngorms in January

Scotland's new avalanche forecasting season will start on 11 December in six mountain areas.

Lochaber, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, Torridon and Northern and Southern Cairngorms are monitored for avalanche risk from between mid-December to mid-April.

Last season, the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) had reports of 42 avalanches - the lowest number since the organisation was set up in 1988.

SAIS said any existing snow cover should be generally superficial, but warned people to be alert for areas of deeper snow on steep ground which could pose a potential avalanche risk.

SAIS covers the UK's highest mountains, including Ben Nevis in Lochaber and Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms.

Its forecasts are used by hillwalkers, climbers and snow sports enthusiasts to plan their visits to the hills.

Mountain rescue teams also consult the forecasts when on callouts.

Avalanches can be triggered accidentally by human activity - such as walking and skiing - and occur naturally when cornices, snow overhanging steep ground, collapse.