Southern Cairngorms

SC 16.12.22 Unstable windslab persisting on SE and S aspects with isolated pockets elsewhere above 800m. Avalanche haz Considerable

SC 16.12.22 Unstable windslab persisting on SE and S aspects with isolated pockets elsewhere above 800m. Avalanche haz Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Older unstable windslab will persist in steep lee locations on South-East and South aspects above 800 metres. New unstable accumulations will also develop during the day, predominately on North-East and East aspects above 800 metres. Corrie rims and gully exits will be most affected. There will be some consolidation of the snowpack at lower levels as the freezing level rises. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Remaining cold overnight with the freezing level rising up to 550 metres by the end of the day. Snow showers expected throughout the day. Fresh winds throughout, North-Westerly overnight, backing to the South-West and South by dawn. Observed Weather Influences: A dry morning but becoming cloudier from mid morning with a touch of light snowfall early afternoon. Strong overnight North-West to Northerly winds eased, remaining light throughout the day. Not quite as cold as recent days, but still around -4.2 degrees celsius at 930 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Overnight snowfall with persistent drifting has led to moderate to weakly bonded windslab forming on mainly South-East to South-West aspects. Deepest amounts are present in wind sheltered locations above 800 metres. Soft fragile cornices have formed in many of these locations. Elsewhere, isolated deeper accumulations have formed in lee locations, exposed terrain is scoured. Avalanche debris was noted on a Southerly aspect at 900m. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.