Northern Cairngorms

NC for 2.1 Drifting snow, new windslab and instabilities remaining at depth, on NW, N,NE,E aspects above 900m. Moderate Hazard.

NC for 2.1 Drifting snow, new windslab and instabilities remaining at depth, on NW, N,NE,E aspects above 900m. Moderate Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: As the day progresses, drifting snow will deposit fresh unstable windslab on North to East aspects above 900 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations will be affected such as coire rims, gully tops and ridge flanks. On these aspects as well as North-West aspects, weaknesses within windslab will persist at depth, most notably on steep convex terrain. Outwith these areas the snowpack will be stable. Cornices will remain fragile. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Another cold and dry day is expected. The freezing level will be around 500 metres overnight, rising to around 600 metres during daylight hours. Winds will be moderate and mainly from the West, backing to become South-Westerly by the end of the forecast period. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight snow showers gave way to very light snow fall for most of the day. This snow fell under mostly calm conditions with occasional light variable winds. The freezing level was around 300 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: There is a fresh blanket of soft snow from glen level upwards. This new snow lies on bare ground on West aspects, while overlying windslab on North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metres. This moderately bonded windslab still contains weaknesses, with steep convex terrain mostly affected. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.