Northern Cairngorms

NC for 18.3. Generally stable. Firm snow surface / crust. Avalanche Hazard Low.

NC for 18.3. Generally stable. Firm snow surface / crust. Avalanche Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will continue to slowly consolidate and remain stable in most locations. The greatest snow depth will be on South-East to South-West aspects above 1000 metres, more superficial elsewhere. On these aspects the snow surface will only soften in very steep wind sheltered terrain as the day progresses. Northerly aspects will remain firm icy and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry and clear day is expected, with fresh South-Easterly winds. Settled high pressure conditions will result in freezing surfaces above 200 metres overnight, rising to 900 metres by the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A dry fine day, with some residual cloud banks dispersing later. Winds were light and from the South-South-East. The freezing level was around 1000 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is generally stable in most locations. Isolated and avoidable wind drifted deposits remain, although weaknesses within are dissipating. Northerly aspects were noticeably firm, while East through South-East to South-West aspects softened due to solar radiation. Some roller ball activity was observed on a very steep South aspect at 1100 metres, demonstrating isolated wet snow instability. The avalanche hazard is Low.