Northern Cairngorms

NC for 5.3. Unstable windslab will develop mostly on East to South aspects above 1000m. Moderate hazard.

NC for 5.3. Unstable windslab will develop mostly on East to South aspects above 1000m. Moderate hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will progressively develop mostly on East to South aspects above 1000m. Areas most affected will be where accumulations gain depth in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims and gully tops. Other aspects may be affected due to crossloading. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Mainly dry overnight, then snow showers from late morning onwards. The freezing level will hover around 700m. Moderate Northerly winds initially, then backing West overnight whilst increasing to fresh strength. The wind will veer North-West in the morning and remain fresh throughout the forecasting period. Observed Weather Influences: A mainly dry day, with occasional snow showers, more frequent in the afternoon. Moderate strength Northerly winds. The freezing level was around 800m. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is generally firm and stable, with a dusting of new snow above 900m. However, isolated pockets of soft snow are present on most aspects above 1000 metres. Where these have achieved depth, some instabilities persist. Areas most affected are coire rims, head walls and gully tops. These accumulations are mostly shallow and avoidable. The avalanche hazard is Low.