Southern Cairngorms

SC 06.02 Unstable windslab on N through E to S aspects above 800m. Fragile cornices. Avalanche hazard Moderate.

SC 06.02 Unstable windslab on N through E to S aspects above 800m. Fragile cornices. Avalanche hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Windslab will continue to form in wind sheltered locations on mainly North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres, with some cross-loading on North and South aspects also occurring. Both depth and distribution will become more widespread as the day progresses, with steeper features such as gullies, burn lines and corrie rims particularly affected. Fragile cornices will begin to form on these aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light snowfall throughout the period. Gale force, generally Westerly winds, veering North-Westerly at the end of the afternoon. 350 to 400 metre freezing level. Observed Weather Influences: Precipitation falling as snow, initially above 600 metres, then late morning above 800 metres. Gale force West-South-Westerly winds. Freezing level rose to 900 metres during the early afternoon. ObservedSnowStability: Snow showers and drifting have formed localised accumulations of unstable windslab in wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. Steep, sharply defined features such as gully tops, burn lines and corrie rims are holding deepest amounts, but depth and distribution are both fairly limited at present. Elsewhere there is a cosmetic covering of new snow with exposed locations wind scoured. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.