Northern Cairngorms

NC 13.03 Unstable windslab SE through S to W aspects above 900m. Cross loading on all other aspects, Cornices! Considerable Hazard

NC 13.03 Unstable windslab SE through S to W aspects above 900m. Cross loading on all other aspects, Cornices! Considerable Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will develop during the day on wind sheltered South-East through South to West aspects above 900m, here avalanches are likely. Cross loading will affect many other aspects. Unstable cornices will develop. Underlying snowpack weakness will persist on all steep, convex terrain above 900m. Below 900m, instabilities will be more localised on steep banks and gullies on South-East through South to West aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force South-Westerly winds easing overnight before backing North-North-Easterly and increasing to storm force during Monday. A dry evening, followed by heavy snow. The freezing level will lower to around 200 meters. Observed Weather Influences: Storm force Westerly winds. Light rain showers. The freezing level was above the summits. ObservedSnowStability: Wet snow instabilities are present on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 meters. Areas affected were steep, convex terrain such as corrie head walls, gully lines and crag aprons. Elsewhere, moderately bonded windslab overlays weak layers on most aspects above 900m. Below 900m localised instabilities observed on steep North facing bank, but generally the snowpack is diminishing and gradually consolidating. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.