Northern Cairngorms

NC for 13/03 Consolidating snowpack. Lingering instabilities on NW-NE aspects above 1000m. Cornice collapse on same aspects. Low Haz

NC for 13/03 Consolidating snowpack. Lingering instabilities on NW-NE aspects above 1000m. Cornice collapse on same aspects. Low Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Overall the snowpack will continue to consolidate and stabilise throughout the forecast period. Isolated areas of instabilities will linger on North-West to North-East aspects above 1000 metres. Areas most affected will be gully tops, coire rims and steep wind sheltered locations. Cornices will be found on these aspects and will be prone to collapse, especially overnight. Loss of snow at lower elevations. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Some overnight rain, with snow being confined to the highest peaks. This will clear to leave a mainly dry day. The freezing level will be above the summits overnight before lowering to between 800 and 1000 metres during the daytime. Southerly winds will increase to storm force becoming South-Westerly. Observed Weather Influences: It was a dry day with fresh winds from the South. The freezing level was around 1000 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Localised areas of instabilities are present on North-West to North-East aspects above 1000 metres. Areas most affected are very steep wind sheltered locations such as gully tops and coire rims. Cornices are also present on these aspects. Elsewhere, stability is good. The avalanche hazard is Low.