Northern Cairngorms

NC for 17.12. Drifting snow. Avalanches likely on N to E aspts abv. 900m. Localised cross loading elsewhere. Hazard Considerable.

NC for 17.12. Drifting snow. Avalanches likely on N to E aspts abv. 900m. Localised cross loading elsewhere. Hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Significant drifting will deposit fresh unstable windslab on North to East aspects above 900 metres, where avalanches are likely. Steep terrain such as gully tops, ridge flanks and coire rims will be most affected. Windslab will also persist on South and South-East aspects above 900 metres. Outwith these areas the deep covering of snow will remain on all aspects and altitudes. Fresh and unstable cornices will build through the period. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: A predominately dry day is expected with some very light snow flurries in the afternoon. Strong winds from the South-West will be present throughout the period. The freezing level will remain around 200 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Another cold day with some very light snow flurries later. Winds were light and increased in strength from the South-West. The freezing level rose from glen level to around 400 metres. ObservedSnowStability: There is a deep covering of snow on all aspects and altitudes. Unstable windslab exists on North-East through South-East to South aspects above 900 metres. As the day progressed redistribution of snow started to occur depositing new unstable windslab on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected are in steep wind sheltered terrain. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.