Northern Cairngorms

NC for 3.1. Colder conditions. Moderately bonded slab accumulating on NE-E-SE and S later above 1000m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 3.1. Colder conditions. Moderately bonded slab accumulating on NE-E-SE and S later above 1000m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Moderately bonded windslab will accumulate on North-East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres. Then Southerly aspects later in the day. These accumulations will be isolated to steep wind sheltered locations and will contain instabilities where they achieve depth. Corrie rims, scarp slopes and gully tops will be most affected. Fragile cornices developing. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A change to colder weather is expected. The freezing level will rapidly drop from 1100 metres to around 200 metres by dawn. Precipitation is expected overnight and throughout the morning. This will fall as snow above 1000 metres initially, before settling at all elevations from glen level upwards by dawn. Overnight, winds will be West-South-Westerly and gale force, before becoming moderate and veering North-North-Westly during daylight hours. Observed Weather Influences: A largely dry day with isolated showers early morning and late afternoon. Precipitation fell as sleet and snow above 1100 metres, but amounts were negligible. The freezing level was around 1100 metres at midday, with winds remaining gale force from the South-West. ObservedSnowStability: Fluctuating temperatures have resulted in a consolidated, firm and stable snow pack above 950 metres. The snow cover has been further depleted with isolated snow patches present above 600 metres. The greatest cover is mainly to be found on North-West to North-East aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low.