Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially, unstable windslab will become widespread on North-West to North-East aspects above 950 metres; here, avalanches are likely especially in steep wind sheltered areas. West aspects will be affected by cross loading. As the wind direction changes, unstable windslab will build above 950 metres on wind sheltered North-East to South-Easterly aspects. Localised instabilities will develop on steep banks and burn lines below. Cornices will be fragile. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall over the next 24 hours, this will be heaviest during the night when it will very briefly turn to rain at all levels before turning to snow again for the duration of the forecast period. Initially winds will be gale to storm force South-South-Easterly, before veering Westerly and easing strong to gale force during the day. Overnight the freezing level will briefly rise to just below the summits before quickly falling to around 600 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A dry sunny morning with fresh Westerly winds. Snowfall from early afternoon onwards on strong South-South-Easterly winds. The midday freezing level was around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of unstable windslab are present on North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. During the afternoon new accumulations of unstable windslab developed on North-West to North-East aspects above 800 metres. On these aspects the greatest instability is around coire rims, gully exits and steep rollovers. Recently formed cornices are fragile. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.