Northern Cairngorms

NC for 20.01 Unstable windslab on N, E, SE aspects above 900m. Cross loading on other aspects. Cornices. Considerable Hazard.

NC for 20.01 Unstable windslab on N, E, SE aspects above 900m. Cross loading on other aspects. Cornices. Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Poorly bonded windslab will continue to develop mostly above 900m on Northerly through East to South Easterly aspects above 900m, where avalanches are likely. NW aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. Areas most affected will be steep convex terrain and wind sheltered locations such as gully tops, coire back walls and crag aprons. Fragile cornices continue to build on same aspects. Below 900 metres some stabilisation will take place. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Freezing level 600 metres at first will gradually rise to summit levels by the end of the forecast period. Precipitation will fall as light snow above 700 metres overnight then a mostly dry Saturday with the possibility of sleet showers at summit levels at the end of the day. Winds will be generally South-South-Westerly, gale, occasional storm force throughout the forecast period. Observed Weather Influences: A dry morning with snow showers in the afternoon. Winds remained gale force in strength from the West-South-West. Freezing level rose to 600 metres during the day. ObservedSnowStability: Significant drifting has resulting in the continuing development of unstable windslab which has become more widespread. Greatest accumulations are present on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres, particularly wind sheltered places such as gully tops, coire back walls and other locations. Fragile cornices continue to build. Below this height and above 600 metres, the snow pack is slowly starting to consolidate. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.