Northern Cairngorms

NC for 22.12. Localised windslab NE,E,SE aspects above 1000m. Scoured elsewhere. Cornices developing. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 22.12. Localised windslab NE,E,SE aspects above 1000m. Scoured elsewhere. Cornices developing. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Localised accumulations of windslab will build throughout the period in steep wind sheltered North-East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres. Accumulations will contain weaknesses where they achieve depth, particularly in areas such as coire rims and headwalls, where cornices will also develop. Elsewhere, new snow will be present at dawn above 400 metres, while slopes exposed to the wind will remain bare and scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Winds will be mostly storm force Westerlies, gradually backing to become North-Westerly as the day progresses. Snow showers are expected above 400 metres overnight, later being confined to above 700 metres during the day. The freezing level will fluctuate around 600 metres for most of the period, rising to 750 metres for a period in the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Precipitation overnight fell initially as rain at all levels, turning to snow during the day above 700 metres. Winds were generally storm force and from the West-South-West during daylight hours. The freezing level was around 800 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Localised accumulations of windslab continued to build as the day progressed. These are mostly found in wind sheltered locations of a North-East and East aspect above 1000 metres, such as coire rims and headwalls. Areas exposed to the wind are extensively scoured and older snow patches are stable but very firm. Outwith these areas a light dusting of snow is present, covering bare ground at lower levels above 700 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.