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Avalanche sparks rescue operation Climber missing after avalanche
(40 minutes later)
A rescue operation is under way after an avalanche on a mountain in the Highlands. A rescue operation is continuing after an avalanche on a mountain in the Highlands.
Two helicopters from Lossiemouth and Prestwick have been scrambled to Buchaile Etive Mor in Glencoe, south of Fort William. Two helicopters were scrambled to Buchaile Etive Mor in Glencoe after police were alerted at about 1200 GMT.
It is believed there are three casualties involved in the incident. The BBC understands two climbers were taken to the Belford Hospital in Fort William and are in a serious condition.
Members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team were heading to the scene along with a police team, which was alerted at about 1215 GMT. One has been transferred to a hospital in Glasgow for treatment. Search dogs have been brought in to help find a missing third person.
First on the scene was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.First on the scene was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.
The second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.The second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.
'Prone to collapse'
However, blizzard conditions in the area have meant one of the helicopters has been grounded.
An air ambulance was scrambled from Glasgow to take one of the climbers from the hospital in Fort William back to Glasgow for further treatment.
The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".
It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.
"Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse.""Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse."
Northern Constabulary Police, which is co-ordinating the incident, said inquiries were ongoing to establish "the identity of casualties and the extent of their injuries".Northern Constabulary Police, which is co-ordinating the incident, said inquiries were ongoing to establish "the identity of casualties and the extent of their injuries".