Northern Cairngorms

NC 21.12. Snowpack firming up, a dusting elsewhere. Isolated windslab NE,E,SE and S aspects above 1000 metres. Avalanche Hazard Low.

NC 21.12. Snowpack firming up, a dusting elsewhere. Isolated windslab NE,E,SE and S aspects above 1000 metres. Avalanche Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will generally become firm and stable as temperatures fall during the day, with a dusting of snow to lower elevations. Isolated accumulations of moderately bonded windslab will build on North-East though East to South aspects above 1000 metres. Coire rims and gully tops will be affected in very steep wind sheltered areas, where accumulations achieve depth. Cornices will be prone to collapse as the temperature fluctuates. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight rain is expected to fall at all elevations, before gradually turning to snow above 500 metres by the end of the day. Winds will be generally storm force from the West overnight, veering to the West-North-West during daylight hours. The freezing level will gradually fall below the summits to be around 650 metres at midday. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight snow gradually turned to rain at all elevations by midday. Winds were generally storm force from the West. The freezing level was around 800 metres at dawn, rising above the summits by the middle of the day. ObservedSnowStability: A cosmetic dusting of snow was present above 750 metres, but rapidly thawed due to rising temperatures. Isolated accumulations of poorly bonded windslab were present in steep wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres. The older firm snow patches slowly became soft and moist during the day. The avalanche hazard is Low.