Northern Cairngorms

NC for 23.12 windslab instabilities on N, E to S aspects above 900m. Wet snow problems later. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 23.12 windslab instabilities on N, E to S aspects above 900m. Wet snow problems later. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh deposits of moderately bonded windslab will continue to develop overnight on North through East to Southerly aspects above 900 meters. The greatest instability will be where accumulations gain depth in steep wind sheltered locations such as gully exits, crag aprons and steep corrie headwalls. During daylight hours wet snow instabilities will develop on these same aspects. Cornices will be fragile and prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force West-North-West winds backing and easing to become Westerly overnight. Increasing and backing to storm force West-South-Westerlies during daylight hours. Frequent overnight snow showers are expected, turning to rain at all levels by midday. The freezing level will rise to well above the summits during the day. Observed Weather Influences: Strong to gale force West-North-West winds. Frequent snow showers. Freezing level around 800 meters. ObservedSnowStability: Isolated fresh accumulations of windslab are present on North through East to South facing slopes above 900 meters. Areas most affected are gully tops and steep corrie headwalls. Fragile cornices have also developed on these aspects. Elsewhere the remaining snow patches remained hard/icy and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low.