Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Windslab will become increasingly more widespread over the forecast period with avalanches likely on steep wind sheltered West through North to North-East aspects above 800m. Crag aprons, gully tops and coire rims will be especially affected. Cross loading will affect South-West aspects during the afternoon, also localised instabilities will develop on steep banks below 800m and above 500m. On these aspects cornices will be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall above 600 to 700 metres throughout the forecast period. Storm force South-Easterly winds will ease strong to gale force and back East-South-Easterly during the afternoon. The freezing level will fluctuate between 700 and 800 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Storm force South-Easterly winds with precipitation falling as snow above 900 metres, then to lower levels as it turned cooler through the afternoon. The midday freezing level was around 900 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab has developed on West through North to North-East aspects, these accumulations are most widespread above 1000 metres, with the greatest instability in steep locations such as coire rims, gully exists and crag aprons. On these aspects cornices are fragile. Better stability within localised accumulations below 1000 metres on steep banks and burn lines. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.