Northern Cairngorms

NC for 14.4:Unstable windslab developing on wind sheltered N through E to SE aspects above 950m. Moderate Hazard.

NC for 14.4:Unstable windslab developing on wind sheltered N through E to SE aspects above 950m. Moderate Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: The old snowpack will become firm and remain well bonded and stable throughout. New accumulations of windslab will develop on wind sheltered North through East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Areas most affected will be where accumulations gain depth in wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, crag aprons and convexities. Fragile cornices will develop on these aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow showers during the first part of the night and through the day. Storm force West-South-West to South-West winds will ease to gale force during the day. From dawn onwards the 800 metre freezing level will steadily rise to 1000 metres by the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Rain turned increasingly to snowfall above 1000 metres during the afternoon. Winds were gale force South-South-Westerly in direction. The midday freezing level was around the highest summits. ObservedSnowStability: There is a dusting of new snow above 1000 metres. The old snowpack remains well bonded and stable throughout. It is most widespread on North-West through East to Southerly aspects above 1000 metres notably around coire back walls and the plateau. The avalanche hazard is Low.