Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will be very firm and stable on all aspects and elevations. The greatest snow cover will remain in high coires and plateau areas above 800 metres, with snow patches and ribbons extending to lower elevations. The snow surface is expected to be very firm and icy, despite a rising freezing level. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: A largely dry day with drizzle at all levels. Possibility of sleet briefly reaching summit levels of 1200 metres. Winds with be Southerly throughout the period increasing from light to gale force. A settled airmass will result in a temperature inversion with icy ground surfaces from 600 metres upwards overnight. The freezing level will be above the summits during day light hours. Observed Weather Influences: A trace of snow was evident in the morning above 600 metres. Winds were gale force South-South-Westerly overnight, with moderate to light Westerlies during the day. The freezing level was around 1000 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Isolated and avoidable deposits of fresh snow were present on North-West to North-East slopes above 950 metres, although these are not considered significant. The snow pack is firm and icy on all aspects and altitudes, softening only below 800 metres in wind sheltered areas were subject to solar radiation. The avalanche hazard is Low.