Northern Cairngorms

NC for 6.3 Unstable wind will build mainly on East - South. Plus NE + SE abve 900m. Localised windslab below 900m. Considerable haz

NC for 6.3 Unstable wind will build mainly on East - South. Plus NE + SE abve 900m. Localised windslab below 900m. Considerable haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to develop and become increasingly widespread throughout the forecasting period, primarily on East to South aspects above 900m. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered terrain such as coire rims, gully tops and ridge flanks. Cross loading on to other aspects. Localised windslab also present on South-East and South aspects below 900m. Cornices will build and be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Persistent snow throughout the period, at times heavy. Freezing level 700m initially, dropping throughout the night to reach 250m by daybreak, where it will remain for the rest of forecasting period. As the freezing level drops, snow will fall at all levels. Light Westerly winds will veer North-North-West overnight increasing to gale force before dawn. Wind will remain North-North-West throughout the day, strength slowly decreasing to strong. Observed Weather Influences: A mainly dry morning with occasional showers, becoming more frequent and wintery through the afternoon. Light North-Westerly winds. The midday summit temperature was minus 3 degrees C. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is mostly firm and stable throughout, with a widespread breakable crust above 1000m. As the snow showers became more frequent during the afternoon, a layer of soft snow overlies the crust. The avalanche hazard is Low.