Northern Cairngorms

NC for 10.2. Avalanches likely on SW, W and NW aspects above 900m. Other aspects and lower elevations affected! Considerable hazard.

NC for 10.2. Avalanches likely on SW, W and NW aspects above 900m. Other aspects and lower elevations affected! Considerable hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to build and become increasingly widespread on South-Westerly to North-Westerly aspects above 900m where avalanches are likely. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered areas such as coire rims, ridge flanks, gullies and crag aprons. Other aspects will be affected due to cross loading. Localised unstable windslab will develop below 900m in wind sheltered locations such as steep banks. Fragile cornices will develop. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force Easterly winds will ease steadily during the day. The freezing level will be around 500 metres overnight, rising during the day to reach 1000 metres by the end of the forecasting period. Continuous snowfall above 300 metres overnight, later rising to reach around 700 metres and becoming lighter. Observed Weather Influences: Gale force East-South-Easterly winds with continuous snowfall throughout the forecasting period. The freezing level was 300 metres initially, then gradually rising to around 500 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Fresh unstable windslab is developing primarily on Westerly to Northerly aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected are steep wind sheltered terrain where accumulations are gaining depth. Fragile cornices are building above the same aspects. At lower elevations, isolated pockets of unstable windslab are developing on West to North aspects. Elsewhere, the old snowpack is wind scoured, firm and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.