Northern Cairngorms

NC for 5.4:Snow Unstable windslab on NW to NE aspects above 900m, localised below. Fragile cornices. Cross loading. Considerable Haz

NC for 5.4:Snow Unstable windslab on NW to NE aspects above 900m, localised below. Fragile cornices. Cross loading. Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: During the course of the day unstable windslab will develop and become widespread on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations, in particular below coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons. Cross loading will affect West and East aspects. Developing cornices will be fragile. Localised unstable windslab will develop on these aspects below 900 metres on steep banks and shallow gullies. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow fall is expected above 600 metres throughout the forecast period. North-Westerly winds will be light to moderate overnight. During the day the winds will steadily increase moderate then strong, veering to become South-South-Easterly through the afternoon. During the night the freezing level will fall from 900 to 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Rain cleared to leave a dry day with strong Westerly winds. The freezing level remained above the summits. ObservedSnowStability: There has been a significant thaw at all levels. Localised accumulations of soft snow remain below coire rims above 1000 metres. Elsewhere the old snowpack is well bonded and stable throughout. This is most widespread above 950 metres around coire back walls and the plateau. The avalanche hazard is Low.