Southern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Snowfall and drifting will rapidly form moderately to weakly bonded windslab on mainly North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres, with potential for some cross-loaded deposits on North-West and South aspects. Accumulations will be localised with wind sheltered features, such as gully tops and sharply defined corrie rims, most affected. Fragile cornices will start to form. Many areas will be snow-free or have stable snow. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall starting around daylight, initially above 700 metres, then briefly turning to rain below 900 metres around mid-morning. Light snowfall continuing through the afternoon down to around 600 metres. During the snowfall, strong to gale force South-South-Westerly, veering Westerly winds. 550 metre freezing level overnight, rising and briefly peaking at 1050 metres, before lowering back to 600 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers to glen level, heavier and more frequent north of the River Dee, with fewer showers reaching Lochnagar and the White Mounth. Gale force West-North-Westerly, backing Westerly winds. Freezing level around 650 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Snowfall and drifting are forming fresh windslab in wind sheltered locations on mainly North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres, with localised cross-loading of some South aspects and a few North aspects. Gully tops and sharply defined corrie rims are most affected. Many areas are wind scoured, holding little or well bonded snow. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.