Northern Cairngorms

NC 12.03: Avalanches likely NW to NE aspects above 900m. Localised below and all other aspects. Fragile cornices! Considerable Haz.

NC 12.03: Avalanches likely NW to NE aspects above 900m. Localised below and all other aspects. Fragile cornices! Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will develop overnight on steep wind sheltered North-West to North-East aspects above 900m. Here, avalanches are likely. West and East aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. Underlying snowpack weakness will persist on all aspects above 900m. Areas affected will be steep, convex terrain such as corrie headwalls and gully tops. Instabilities will be more localised on steep West through North to East aspects below 900m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Very strong South-South-East winds will veer overnight to a South-Westerly increasing to storm force by Sunday morning. Overnight snow is expected followed by a dry morning. During the afternoon, further precipitation is expected falling as rain at times to summit level. The freezing level overnight will be around 500 meters, rising to above the summits by mid-afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Light South-South Easterly winds increased to fresh during the afternoon. A dry, clear and sunny day. The freezing level was around 400 meters. ObservedSnowStability: Underlying snowpack weakness persist at depth on all aspects. Moderately bonded windslab overlays weak layers on most aspects above 900 meters. During the afternoon unstable windslab developed on North-West to North-East aspects. Areas affected were steep, convex terrain such as corrie headwalls and gully tops. On these aspects below 900 metres localised areas of unstable windslab were also present. Fragile cornices. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.