Northern Cairngorms

NC for 27.03 Avalanches likely on wind sheltered SW, W, NW, N aspects above 900m. Localised below. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

NC for 27.03 Avalanches likely on wind sheltered SW, W, NW, N aspects above 900m. Localised below. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will develop on South-West through West to North aspects above 900 metres, where avalanches are likely. Below this altitude, localised instabilities will be present on steep banks. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gully tops, crag aprons, stream beds and convex terrain. Cornices will start to built on these same aspects. Wind exposed areas will be firm and icy. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Initially dry, persistent snow fall above 400 metres will gradually become lighter during the day before becoming confined to above 800 metres by the early afternoon. Mainly Easterly winds will increase to gale force overnight before easing and veering South-East. The freezing level will be around 500 metres before rising gradually through the day. Observed Weather Influences: A day with light snow showers and intense sunny intervals. Light winds from the East with the freezing level around 600 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: A covering of fresh, light snow is present on all aspects above 700 metres with generally good stability. Where exposed to direct sunlight surface instabilities were noted on steep West and North aspects above 950 metres. Elsewhere the snowpack continues to consolidate. The avalanche hazard is Low.